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THE) 

PRECEPTOR. 


SIMPLE    SYSTEM  FOR    ENABLING     YOUNG 

MEN    TO    ACQUIRE    A    KNOWLEDGE 

OF    THE     DOCTRINES     OF     THE 

GOSPEL,  AND   THE  ABILITY 

TO    PREACH     THEM, 


By   Elder  John 


REVISED    AND  ENLAR 


SALT    LAKE    CITY: 

d::.skiikt  kews  company,  printers  and  publishers. 

1885. 


Entered  according  to  Act  of  Congress,  in  the  year  1885,  by  Johw  Nicholson,  In 
tho  ofiBce  of  the  Librarian  of  Congress,  at  "Washington,  D.  C. 


^M^^^^ 


PREFACE. 


I  WAS  induced  to  present  the  formula  embodied 
in  this  work  because  I  had  been  long  impressed 
with  the  need  of  some  simple  method  of  teaching 
the  young  men  of  the  Church  the  doctrines  of  the 
Gospel,  and  at  the  same  time  enabling  them  to 
acquire  the  ability  to  preach  them. 

This  necessity  has  had  many  illustrations  in  the 
awkward  predicament  in  which  young  and  inex- 
perienced Elders  have  been  placed  when  first  enter- 
ing the  missionary  field  with  little  or  no  previous 
training. 

This  subject  was  directly  forced  upon  my  atten- 
tion in  the  early  part  of  January,  1883,  when  a  com- 
mittee, representing  eleven  young  men,  waited  upon 
me,  with  a  request  that  I  should  instruct  them  in 
acquiring  an  understanding  of  what  are  termed  the 
first  principles  of  the  Gospel. 

I  undertook  this  labor,  and  was  amply  rewarded 
by  the  marked  progress  made  by  the  class  in  a  com- 


4  PREFACE. 

paratively  brief  time.  With  subsequent  classes  the 
same  desirable  result  has  been  attained. 

The  object  of  publishing  a  synopsis  of  the  system 
was  to  induce  other  brethren  to  make  a  practical 
application  of  it,  and  thus  more  extended  good  be 
produced. 

The  result  has  surpassed  my  highest  expecta- 
tions, classes  having  been  formed  in  nearly  every 
part  of  Utah  and  where  the  Saints  are  located  in 
adjoining  Territories.  The  demand  for  the  little 
book  has  been  so  extensive  that  the  first  edition  of 
five  thousand  copies  was  exhausted  inside  of  two 
years.  I  have  therefore  been  encouraged  to  issue  a 
second  of  similar  proportions. 

The  Author. 


INDEX. 

PART   FIRST. 
SUBJECT.  PAGE. 

Apostasy.    The  Universal 26 

Authority.    Necessity  of  Divine 29 

Baptism.    The  Essentiality  of. 12 

The  Mode  of 14 

The  Object  of. 15 

Dead.    The  Gospel  Preached  to  the 23 

"        Baptism  for  the s 26 

Faith  and  Works 7 

Holy  Ghost  is  Imparted.  The  Manner  in  which  the  17 

Mode  of  Operation  in  Classes.    The 32 

Organization  and  Officers  of  the  Church 20 

Preparation  for  Class  Exercises 7 

Repentance 15 

Restoration  of  the  Gospel 30 

Rules  for  Classes 38 

Suggestions 35 


6  INDEX. 

PART   SECOND. 
SUBJECT.  PAGE, 

Man.    The  Origin,  Agency  and  Destiny  of. 63 

Mormon.      The    Book    of,    an     Inspired    and 

Authentic  Record 74 

Propositions  for  Second  Group  of  Subjects 39 

Personality  of  God.    Tangible 41 

Plural  Marriage  sanctioned  and  sustained  by  the 

Old  and  New  Testaments 90 

Preaching.    Hints  on 105 

Spiritual  Gifts.    The  Holy  Ghost  and 49 


The  Preceptor. 


PART  FIRST, 


CHAPTER  I. 

PREPARATION    FOR   CLASS   EXERCISES. 

By  way  of  preparotion,  before  the  open- 
ing of  organized  exercises,  each  pupil  should 
be  required  to  carefully  read  many  times 
over,  and  reflect  upon  the  doctrines  and 
principles  contained  in  them,  the  following 
passages  of  Scripture,  which  are  given  in 
full.  Other  passages  bearing  on  the  same 
subjects  should  also  be  sought  out  and 
studied: 

SCRIPTURE    PASSAGES. —  FIRST     PRINCIPLES     OF    THE 
GOSPEL. 

Faith  and  Works. 

Showing  works  as  well  as  faith  are  re- 
quired to  insure  salvation — 


O  THE   PRECEPTOR. 

James ^  seco?id  chapter: 

14  What  doth  it  profit,  my  brethren,  though  a 
man  say  he  hath  faith,  and  have  not  works?  can  faith 
save  him? 

15  If  a  brother  or  sister  be  naked,  and  destitute 
of  daily  food, 

16  And  one  of  you  say  unto  them,  Depart  in 
peace,  be  ye  warmed  and  filled;  notwithstanding  ye 
give  them  not  those  things  which  are  needful  to  the 
body;  what  doth  it  profit? 

17  Even  so  faith,  if  it  hath  not  works,  is  dead, 
being  alone. 

18  Yea,  a  man  may  say,  Thou  hast  faith,  and  I 
have  works:  shew  me  thy  faith  without  thy  works, 
and  I  will  shew  thee  my  faith  by  my  works. 

19  Thou  believest  that  there  is  one  God;  thou 
doest  well:  the  devils  also  believe,  and  tremble. 

20  But  wilt  thou  know,  O  vain  man,  that  faith 
without  works  is  dead  ? 

21  Was  not  Abraham  our  father  justified  by 
works,  when  he  had  offered  Isaac  his  son  upon  the 
altar? 

22  Seest  thou  how  faith  wrought  with  his  works, 
and  by  works  was  faith  made  perfect? 

23  And  the  Scripture  was  fulfilled  which  saith, 
Abraham  believed  God,  and  it  was  imputed  unto 
him  for  righteousness:  and  he  was  called  the  Friend 
of  God. 

24  Ye  see  then  how  that  by  works  a  man  is  justi- 
fied, and  not  by  faith  only. 

25  Likewise  also  was  not  Rahab  the  harlot  justi- 
fied by  works,  when  she  had  received  the  messen- 
gers, and  had  sent  them  out  another  way  ? 


THE    PRECEPTOR.  9 

26  For  as  the  body  without  the  spirit  is  dead,  so 
faith  without  works  is  dead  also. 

Hebrews^  eleventh  chapter: 

3  Through  faith  we  understand  that  the  worlds 
were  framed  by  the  word  of  God,  so  that  things 
which  are  seen  were  not  made  of'  things  which  do  , 
appear. 

32  And  what  shall  I  more  say?  for  the  time  would 
fail  me  to  tell  of  Gideon,  and  of  Barak,  and  of  Sam- 
son, and  of  Jephthah;  of  David  also,  and  Samuel, 
and  of  the  prophets: 

33  Who  through  faith  subdued  kingdoms, wrought 
righteousness,  obtained  promises,  stopped  the 
mouths  of  lions, 

34  Quenched  the  violence  of  fire,  escaped  the 
edge  of  the  sword,  out  of  weakness  were  made 
strong,  waxed  valiant  in  fight,  turned  to  flight  the 
armies  of  the  aliens. 

/  John,  second  chapter: 

1  My  little  children,  these  things  write  I  unto  you, 
that  ye  sin  not.  And  if  any  man  sin,  we  h^ve  an 
advocate  with  the  Father,  Jesus  Christ  the  righteous: 

2  And  he  is  the  propitiation  for  our  sins:  and  not 
for  ours  only,  but  also  for  the  sins  of  the  whole 
world. 

3  And  hereby  we  do  know  that  we  know  him,  if 
we  keep  his  commandments. 

4  He  that  saith,  I  know  him,  and  keepeth  not  his 
commandments,  is  a  liar,  and  the  truth  is  not  in  him. 

Acts,  ninth  chapter: 

I  And  Saul,  yet  breathing  out  threatenings  and 


lO  THE  PRECEPTOR. 

slaughter  against  the  disciples  of  the  Lord,went  unto 
the  high  priest, 

2  And  desired  of  him  letters  to  Damascus  to  the 
synagogues,  that  if  he  found  any  of  this  way,  whether 
they  were  men  or  women,  he  might  bring  them 
bound  unto  Jerusalem. 

3  And  as  he  journeyed,  he  came  near  Damascus- 
and  suddenly  there  shined  round  about  him  a  light 
from  heaven: 

4  And  he  fell  to  the  earth,  and  heard  a  voice  say- 
ing unto  him,  Saul,  Saul,  why  persecutest  thou  me? 

5  And  he  said.  Who  art  thou.  Lord?  And  the 
Lord  said,  I  am  Jesus  whom  thou  persecutest:  it  is 
hard  for  thee  to  kick  against  the  pricks. 

6  And  he  trembling  and  astonished  said,  Lord, 
what  wilt  thou  have  me  to  do?  And  the  Lord  said 
unto  him.  Arise,  and  go  into  the  city,  and  it  shall  be 
told  thee  what  thou  must  do. 

Matt.,  seventh  chapter: 

21  Not  every  one  that  saith  unto  me.  Lord,  Lord, 
shall  enter  into  the  kingdom  of  heaven;  but  he  that 
doeth  the  will  of  my  Father  which  is  in  heaven. 

Showing  that  men  will  be  rewarded  ac- 
cording to  their  works — 

Rev.,  fourteerith  chapter: 

13  And  I  heard  a  voice  from  heaven  saying  unto 
me,  Write,  Blessed  are  the  dead  which  die  in  the 
Lord  from  henceforth:  Yea,  saith  the  Spirit,  that  they 
may  rest  from  their  labors;  and  their  works  do  fol- 
low them. 


THE   PRECEPTOR.  II 

Rev.y  twentieth  chapter: 

12  And  I  saw  the  dead,  small  and  great,  stand 
before  God;  and  the  books  were  opened:  and 
another  book  was  opened,  which  is  the  book  of  life: 
and  the  dead  were  judged  out  of  those  things  which 
were  written  in  the  books,  according  to  their  works. 

Romans^  second  chapter: 

4  Or  despisest  thou  the  riches  of  his  goodness 
and  forbearance  and  longsufFering;  not  knowing  that 
the  goodness  of  God  leadeth  thee  to  repentance? 

5  But,  after  thy  hardness  and  impenitent  heart, 
treasurest  up  unto  thyself  wrath  against  the  day  of 
wrath  and  revelation  of  the  righteous  judgment  of 
God; 

6  Who  will  render  to  every  man  according  to  his 
deeds. 

Showing  that  devils  not  only  believe  but 
know  that  Jesus  is  the  Chrigt — 

I  Tim.^  fourth  chapter: 

I  Now  the  spirit  speaketh  expressly,  that  in  the 
latter  times  some  shall  depart  from  the  faith,  giving 
heed  to  seducing  spirits  and  doctrines  of  devils. 

Luke^  fourth  chapter: 

41  And  devils  also  came  out  of  many,  crying  out 
and  saying,  Thou  art  Christ  the  Son  of  God.  And 
he  rebuking  them  suffered  them  not  to  speak:  for 
they  knew  that  he  was  Christ. 


12  THE   PRECEPTOR. 

Repentance  and  Baptism. 

Showing  the  absolute  essentiality  of  the 
administration  of  the  ordinance  of  bap- 
tism— 

Mark,  sixteenth  chapter: 

15  And  he  said  unto  them,  Go  ye  into  all  the 
world,  and  preach  the  gospel  to  every  creature. 

16  He  that  believeth  and  is  baptized  shall  be 
saved;  but  he  that  believeth  not  shall  be  damned. 

17  And  these  signs  shall  follow  them  that  believe: 
In  my  name  shall  they  cast  out  devils;  they  shall 
speak  with  new  tongues; 

18  They  shall  take  up  serpents;  and  if  they  drink 
any  deadly  thing,  it  shall  not  hurt  them;  they  shall 
lay  hands  on  the  sick,  and  they  shall  recover. 

19  So  then,  after  the  Lord  had  spoken  unto  them, 
he  was  received  up  into  heaven,  and  sat  on  the  right 
hand  of  God. 

20  And  they  went  forth,  and  preached  every- 
where, the  Lord  working  with  them,  and  confirming 
the  word  with  signs  following.     Amen. 

John,  third  chapter: 

1  There  was  a  man  of  the  Pharisees,  named  Nico- 
demus,  a  ruler  of  the  Jews. 

2  The  same  came  to  Jesus  by  night,  and  said  unto 
him.  Rabbi,  we  know  that  thou  art  a  teacher  come 
from  God:  for  no  man  can  do  these  miracles  that 
thou  doest,  except  God  be  with  him. 

3  Jesus  answered  and    said    unto  him.    Verily, 


THE   PRECEPTORV 


IVEESIT-2 


verily,  I  say  unto  thee,  except  a  man 
he  cannot  see  the  kingdom  of  God. 

4  Nicodemus  saith  unto  him.  How  can  a  man  be 
born  when  he  is  old  ?  can  he  enter  the  second  time 
into  his  mother's  womb,  and  be  born  ? 

5  Jesus  answered,  Verily,  verily,  I  say  unto  thee, 
Except  a  man  be  born  of  water  and  of  the  spirit,  he 
cannot  enter  into  the  kingdom  of  God. 

22  After  these  things  came  Jesus  and  his  disciples 
into  the  land  of  Judea;  and  there  he  tarried  with 
them,  and  baptized. 

Matt.y  third  chapter: 

13  Then  cometh  Jesus  from  Galilee  to  Jordan 
unto  John,  to  be  baptized  of  him. 

14  But  John  forbade  him,  saying,  I  have  need  to 
be  baptized  of  thee,  and  comest  thou  to  me  ? 

15  And  Jesus  answering  said  unto  him.  Suffer  it 
to  be  so  now:  for  thus  it  becometh  us  to  fulfil  all 
righteousness.    Then  he  suffered  him. 

16  And  Jesus,  when  he  was  baptized,  went  up 
straightway  out  of  the  water:  and  lo,  the  heavens 
were  opened  unto  him,  and  he  saw  the  Spirit  of  God 
descending  like  a  dove,  and  lighting  upon  him. 

17  And  lo,  a  voice  from  heaven,  saying.  This  is 
my  beloved  Son,  in  whom  I  am  well  pleased. 

Luke^  seventh  chapter: 

28  For  I  say  unto  you,  Among  those  that  are  born 
of  women  there  is  not  a  greater  prophet  than  John 
the  Baptist;  but  he  that  is  least  in  the  kingdom  of 
God  is  greater  than  he. 

29  And  all  the  people  that  heard  him,  and  the 


14  THE    PRECEPTOR. 

publicans,  justified  God,  being   baptized  with   the 
baptism  of  John. 

30  But  the  Pharisees  and  lawyers  rejected  the 
counsel  of  God  against  themselves,  being  not  bap- 
tized of  him. 

Showing  immersion  to  be  the  proper 
mode  of  baptism — 

Ro7nanSy  sixth  chapter: 

3  Know  ye  not  that  so  many  of  us  as  were  bap- 
tized into  Jesus  Christ  were  baptized  into  his  death? 

4  Therefore  we  are  buried  with  him  by  baptism 
into  death:  that  like  as  Christ  was  raised  up  from  the 
dead  by  the  glory  of  the  Father,  even  so  we  also 
should  walk  in  newness  of  life. 

5  For  if  we  have  been  planted  together  in  the 
likeness  of  his  death,  we  shall  be  also  in  the  likeness 
of  his  resurrection. 

Col.,  second  chapter: 

11  In  whom  also  ye  are  circumcised  with  the  cir- 
cumcision made  without  hands,  in  putting  off  the 
body  of  the  sins  of  the  flesh  by  the  circumcision  ot 
Christ: 

12  Buried  with  him  in  baptism,  wherein  also  ye 
are  risen  with  him  through  the  faith  of  the  operation 
of  God,  who  hath  raised  him  from  the  dead. 

John,  third  chapter: 

23  And  John  also  was  baptizing  in  ^non  near  to 
Salim,  because  there  was  much  water  there:  and 
they  came,  and  were  baptized. 


THE   PRECEPTOR.  15 

Eph.^  fourth  chapter: 

4  There  is  one  body,  and  one  Spirit,  even  as  ye 
are  called  in  one  hope  of  your  calling; 

5  One  Lord,  one  faith,  one  baptism. 

6  One  God  and  Father  of  all,  who  is  above  all, 
and  through  all,  and  in  you  all. 

Showing  that  the  object  of  baptism  is 
the  remission  of  sins,  and  that  repentance 
is  a  preparatory  condition  previous  to  its 
administration — 

Acts,  second  chapter: 

36  Therefore  let  all  the  house  of  Israel  know 
assuredly,  that  God  hath  made  that  same  Jesus, 
whom  ye  have  crucified,  both  Lord  and  Christ. 

37  Now  when  they  heard  this,  they  were  pricked 
in  their  heart,  and  said  unto  Peter  and  to  the  rest  of 
the  apostles,  Men  and  brethren,  what  shall  we  do? 

38  Then  Peter  said  unto  them.  Repent,  and  be 
baptized  every  one  of  you  in  the  name  of  Jesus 
Christ,  for  the  remission  of  sins,  and  ye  shall  receive 
the  gift  of  the  Holy  Ghost. 

39  For  the  promise  is  unto  you,  and  to  your 
children,  and  to  all  that  are  afar  off,  even  as  many  as 
the  Lord  our  God  shall  call. 

Acts^  tenth  chapter: 

43  To  him  give  all  the  prophets  witness,  that 
through  his  name  whosoever  believeth  in  him  shall 
receive  remission  of  sins. 


l6  THE   PRECEPTOR. 

44  While  Peter  yet  spake  these  words,  the  Holy 
Ghost  fell  on  all  them  which  heard  the  word. 

45  And  they  of  the  circumcision  which  believed 
were  astonished,  as  many  as  came  with  Peter,  be- 
cause that  on  the  Gentiles  also  was  poured  out  the 
gift  of  the  Holy  Ghost. 

46  For  they  heard  them  speak  with  tongues,  and 
magnify  God.    Then  answered  Peter, 

47  Can  any  man  forbid  water,  that  these  should 
not  be  baptized,  which  have  received  the  Holy  Ghost 
as  well  as  we? 

48  And  he  commanded  them  to  be  baptized  in 
the  name  of  the  Lord.  Then  prayed  they  him  to 
tarry  certain  days. 

Mark,  first  chapter: 

4  John  did  baptize  in  the  wilderness,  and  preach 
the  baptism  of  repentance  for  the  remission  of  sins. 

5  And  there  went  out  unto  him  all  the  land  of 
Judea,  and  they  of  Jerusalem,  and  were  all  baptized 
of  him  in  the  river  of  Jordan,  confessing  their  sins. 

Acts,  twenfy-second  chapter: 

6  And  it  came  to  pass,  that,  as  I  made  my  jour- 
ney, and  was  come  nigh  unto  Damascus  about  noon, 
suddenly  there  shone  from  heaven  a  great  light 
round  about  me. 

7  And  I  fell  unto  the  ground,  and  heard  a  voice 
saying  unto  me,  Saul,  Saul,  why  persecutest  thou 
me? 

8  And  I  answered,  Who  art  thou.  Lord?  And  he 
said  unto  me,  I  am  Jesus  of  Nazareth,  whom  thou 
persecutest. 


THE    PRECEPTOR.  I7 

9  And  they  that  were  with  me  saw  indeed  the 
light,  and  were  afraid;. but  they  heard  not  the  voice 
of  him  that  spake  to  me. 

10  And  I  said,  What  shall  I  do.  Lord?  And  the 
Lord  said  unto  me.  Arise,  and  go  into  Damascus; 
and  there  it  shall  be  told  thee  of  all  things  which  are 
appointed  for  thee  to  do. 

11  And  when  I  could  not  see  for  the  glory  of  that 
light,  being  led  by  the  hand  of  them  that  were  with 
me,  I  came  into  Damascus. 

12  And  one  Ananias,  a  devout  man  according  to 
the  law,  having  a  good  report  of  all  the  Jews  which 
dwelt  there, 

13  Came  unto  me,  and  stood,  and  said  unto  me, 
Brother  Saul,  receive  thy  sight.  And  the  same  hour 
I  looked  up  upon  him. 

14  And  he  said.  The  God  of  our  fathers  hath 
chosen  thee,  that  thou  shouldest  know  his  will,  and 
see  that  Just  One,  and  shouldest  hear  the  voice  of 
his  mouth.- 

15  For  thou  shalt  be  his  witness  unto  all  men  of 
what  thou  hast  seen  and  heard. 

16  And  now  why  tarriest  thou?  arise, and  be  bap- 
tized, and  wash  away  thy  sins,  calling  on  the  name 
of  the  Lord. 

The  Holy  Ghost. 

The  manner  in  which  the  Holy  Ghost  is 
imparted — 

Acts,  eighth  chapter: 

12  But  when  they  believed  Philip  preaching  the 
things   concerning  the  kingdom  of   God,  and   the 


l8  THE   PRECEPTOR. 

name  of  Jesus  Christ,  they  were  baptized,  both  men 
and  women. 

13  Then  Simon  himself  believed  also;  and  when 
he  was  baptized,  he  continued  with  Philip,  and  won- 
dered, beholding  the  miracles  and  signs  which  were 
done. 

14  Now  when  the  apostles  which  were  at  Jerusa- 
lem heard  that  Samaria  had  received  the  word  of 
God,  they  sent  unto  them  Peter  and  John: 

15  Who,  when  they  were  come  down,  prayed  for 
them,  that  they  might  receive  the  Holy  Ghost: 

16  (For  as  yet  he  was  fallen  upon  none  of  them: 
only  they  were  baptized  in  the  name  of  the  Lord 
Jesus.) 

17  Then  laid  they  their  hands  on  them,  and  they 
received  the  Holy  Ghost. 

Acts^  nineteenth  chapter: 

1  And  it  came  to  pass,  that,  while  Apollos  was  at 
Corinth,  Paul  having  passed  through  the  upper 
coasts  came  to  Ephesus;  and  finding  certain  dis- 
ciples, 

2  He  said  unto  them.  Have  ye  received  the  Holy 
Ghost  since  ye  believed?  And  they  said  unto  him. 
We  have  not  so  much  as  heard  whether  there  be  any 
Holy  Ghost. 

3  And  he  said  unto  them,  Unto  what  then  were 
ye  baptized?    And  they  said,  Unto  John's  baptism. 

4  Then  said  Paul,  John  verily  baptized  with  the 
baptism  of  repentance,  saying  unto  the  people,  that 
they  should  believe  on  him  which  should  come  after 
him,  that  is,  on  Christ  Jesus. 

5  When  they  heard  this,  they  were  baptized  in  the 
name  of  the  Lord  Jesus. 


THE   PRECEPTOR.  I9 

6  And  when  Paul  had  laid  his  hands  upon  them, 
the  Holy  Ghost  came  on  them;  and  they  spake  with 
tongues  and  prophesied. 

The  following  has  been  cited  to  show 
that  the  Holy  Ghost  has-been  conferred 
before  baptism — 

Acts^  ninth  chapter: 

17  And  Ananias  went  his  way,  and  entered  into 
the  house,  and  putting  his  hands  on  him,  said. 
Brother  Saul,  the  Lord,  even  Jesus,  that  appeared 
unto  thee  in  the  way  as  thou  camest,  hath  sent  me, 
that  thou  mightest  receive  thy  sight,  and  be  filled 
with  the  Holy  Ghost. 

18  And  immediately  there  fell  from  his  eyes  as  it 
had  been  scales:  and  he  received  sight  forthwith, 
and  arose,  and  was  baptized. 

19  And  when  he  had  received  meat,  he  was 
strengthened.  Then  was  Saul  certain  days  with  the 
disciples  which  were  at  Damascus. 

20  And  straightway  he  preached  Christ  in  the 
synagogues,  that  he  is  the  Son  of  God. 

Paul  was  undoubtedly  filled  with  the 
Holy  Ghost,  as  by  the  power  of  that  Spirit 
he  was  healed  of  his  blindness.  Had  he 
failed  to  comply  with  the  ordinances  of  the 
Gospel  subsequently,  however,  we  have  no 
reason  to  suppose  that  he  would  have  been 
entitled  to  the  Spirit  as  a  gift.    Many  people 


20  THE   PRECEPTOR. 

have  been  temporarily  filled  with  the  Holy 
Ghost  who  have  not  yet  embraced  the 
Gospel,  as  it  is  the  power  or  agency  by 
which  the  sick  are  healed.  But  they  must 
obey  the  law  to  insure  its  permanent  fel- 
lowship. 

The  following  appears  to  be  an  exception 
to  the  rule  in  regard  to  conferring  the  Holy 
Ghost  after  baptism,  but,  as  it  was  for  a 
special  purpose,  the  rule  may  be  said  to  be 
confirmed  by  it — 

Acts,  tenth  chapter: 

44  While  Peter  yet  spake  these  words,  the  Holy 
Ghost  fell  on  all  them  which  heard  the  word. 

45  And  they  of  the  circumcision  which  believed 
were  astonished,  as  many  as  came  with  Peter,  be- 
cause that  on  the  Gentiles  also  was  poured  out  the 
gift  of  the  Holy  Ghost. 

46  For  they  heard  them  speak  with  tongues  and 
magnify  God. 

Organization  and  Officers. 

The  nature  of  the  organization,  the 
character  of  the  officers  and  their  per- 
manency— 

Eph.^  fourth  chapter: 

8  Wherefore  he  .saith,  When  he  ascended  up  on 


THE   PRECEPTOR.  21 

high,  he  led  captivity  captive,  and  gave  gifts  unto 
men. 

11  And  he  gave  some,  apostles;  and  some, 
prophets;  and  some,  evangelists;  and  some,  pastors 
and  teachers; 

12  For  the  perfecting  of  the  saints,  for  the  work 
of  the  ministry,  for  the  edifying  of  the  body  of 
Christ: 

13  Till  we  all  come  in  the  unity  of  the  faith,  and 
of  the  knowledge  of  the  Son  of  God,  unto  a  perfect 
man,  unto  the  measure  of  the  stature  of  the  fulness 
of  Christ: 

14  That  we  henceforth  be  no  more  children 
tossed  to  and  fro,  and  carried  about  with  every  wind 
of  doctrine,  by  the  sleight  of  men,  and  cunning 
craftiness,  whereby  they  lie  in  wait  to  deceive. 

/  Cor.,  twelfth  chapter: 

14  For  the  body  is  not  one  member,  but  many. 

15  If  the  foot  shall  say,  Because  I  am  not  the 
hand,  I  am  not  of  the  body;  is  it  therefore  not  of  the 
body? 

16  And  if  the  ear  shall  say,  Because  I  am  not  the 
eye,  I  am  not  of  the  body;  is  it  therefore  not  of  the 
body? 

17  If  the  whole  body  were  an  eye,  where  were 
the  hearing?  If  the  whole  were  hearing,  where  were 
the  smelling? 

18  But  now  hath  God  set  the  members  every  one 
of  them  in  the  body,  as  it  hath  pleased  him. 

19  And  if  they  were  all  one  member,  where  were 
the  body. 

20  But  now  are  they  many  members,  yet  but 
one  body  ? 


22  THE    PRECEPTOR. 

21  And  the  eye  cannot  say  unto  the  hand,  I  have 
no  need  of  thee;  nor  again  the  head  to  the  feet,  I 
have  no  need  of  you. 

27  Now  ye  are  the  body  of  Christ,  and  members 
in  particular. 

28  And  God  hath  set  some  in  the  church,  first 
apostles,  secondarily  prophets,  thirdly  teachers,  after 
that  miracles,  then  gifts  of  healings,  helps,  govern- 
ments, diversities  of  tongues. 

29  Are  all  apostles?  are  all  prophets .''  are  all 
teachers?  are  all  workers  of  miracles? 

I  Cor.^  thirteenth  chapter: 

8  Charity  never  faileth:  but  whether  there  be 
prophecies,  they  shall  fail;  whether  there  be  tongues, 
they  shall  cease;  whether  there  be  knowledge,  it 
shall  vanish  away. 

9  For  we  know  in  part,  and  we  prophesy  in  part. 

10  But  when  that  which  is  perfect  is  come,  then 
that  which  is  in  part  shall  be  done  away. 

Luke^  tenth  chapter: 

1  After  these  things  the  Lord  appointed  other 
seventy  also,  and  sent  them  two  and  two  before  his 
face  into  every  city  and  place,  whither  he  himself 
would  come. 

2  Therefore  said  he  unto  them,  The  harvest  truly 
is  great,  but  the  laborers  are  few:  pray  ye  therefore 
the  Lord  of  the  harvest,  that  he  would  send  forth 
laborers  into  his  harvest. 

3  Go  your  ways:  behold  I  send  you  forth  as 
lambs  among  wolves. 

4  Carry  neither  purse,  nor  scrip,  nor  shoes:  and 
salute  no  man  by  the  way. 


THE    PRECEPTOR.  23 

5  And  into  whatsoever  house  ye  enter,  first  say, 
Peace  be  to  this  house. 

6  And  if  the  son  of  peace  be  there,  your  peace 
shall  rest  upon  it;  if  not,  it  shall  turn  to  you  again. 

The  Gospel  to  the  Dead. 

Showing  where  the  spirit  of  the  thief 
went  to,  that  the  Gospel  is  preached  to  the 
departed  spirits,  and  for  what  purpose — 

Lukey  twenty 'third  thapter: 

39  And  one  of  the  malefactors  which  were  hanged 
railed  on  him,  saying.  If  thou  be  Christ,  save  thyself 
and  us. 

40  But  the  other  answering  rebuked  him,  saying. 
Dost  not  thou  fear  God,  seeing  thou  art  in  the  same 
condemnation? 

41  And  we  indeed  justly;  for  we  receive  the  due 
reward  of  our  deeds;  but  this  man  hath  done 
nothing  amiss. 

42  And  he  said  unto  Jesus,  Lord,  remember  me 
when  thou  comest  into  thy  kingdom. 

43  And  Jesus  said  unto  him.  Verily  I  say  unto 
thee.  To-day  shalt  thou  be  with  me  in  paradise. 

I  Peter y  third  chapter: 

18  For  Christ  also  hath  once  suffered  for  sins,  the 
just  for  the  unjust,  that  he  might  bring  us  to  God, 
being  put  to  death  in  the  flesh,  but  quickened  by  the 
spirit: 

19  By  which  also  he  went  and  preached  unto  the 
spirits  in  prison; 

20  Which  sometime  were  disobedient,  when  once 


24  THE   PRECEPTOR. 

the  longsuffering  of  God  waited  in  the  days  of  Noah, 
while  the  ark  was  a  preparing,  wherein  few,  that  is, 
eight  souls  were  saved  by  water. 

/  Peter ^  fourth  chapter: 

6  For,  for  this  cause  was  the  gospel  preached  also 
to  them  that  are  dead,  that  they  might  be  judged 
according  to  men  in  the  flesh,  but  live  according  to 
God  in  the  spirit. 

John,  twentieth  chapter: 

11  But  Mary  stood  without  at  th*e  sepulchre  weep- 
ing: and  as  she  wept,  she  stooped  down,  and  looked 
into  the  sepulchre, 

12  And  seeth  two  angels  in  white  sitting,  the  one 
at  the  head,  and  the  other  at  the  feet,  where  the  body 
of  Jesus  had  lain. 

13  And  they  say  unto  her,  Woman,  why  weepest 
thou?  She  saith  unto  them,  Because  they  have  taken 
away  my  Lord,  and  I  know  not  where  they  have  laid 
him. 

14  And  when  she  had  thus  said,  she  turned  her- 
self back,  and  saw  Jesus  standing,  and  knew  not  that 
it  was  Jesus. 

15  Jesus  saith  unto  her.  Woman,  why  weepest 
thou  ?  whom  seekest  thou  ?  She,  supposing  him  to  be 
the  gardener,  saith  unto  him,  Sir,  If  thou  have  borne 
him  hence,  tell  me  where  thou  hast  laid  him,  and  I 
will  take  him  away. 

16  Jesus  saith  unto  her,  Mary.  She  turned  her- 
self, and  saith  unto  him,  Rabboni:  which  is  to  say, 
Master. 

17  Jesus  said  unto  her,  touch  me  not;  for  I  am 
not  yet  ascended  to  my  Father;  but  go  to  my  breth- 


THE    PRECEPTOR.  2$ 

ren,  and  say  unto  them,  I  ascend  unto  my  Father 
and  your  Father;  and  to  my  God  and  to  your  God. 

It  may  be  well  to  state  here,  incidentally, 
that  the  third  and  fourth  Protestant  articles 
of  religion  assert  that — 

"Christ  died  for  us  and  was  buried,  so  also  it  is 
believed  he  went  down  into  hell."  And  that  "He 
rose  again  from  death,  took  again  his  body  of  flesh 
and  bones,  wherewith  he  ascended  into  heaven." 

The  following  is  again  inserted  as  a  re- 
assertion  of  the  essentiality  of  baptism,  on 
account  of  what  follows — 

Jo/m,  third  chapter: 

5  Jesus  answered,  Verily,  verily,  I  say  unto  thee; 
Except  a  man  be  born  of  water  and  of  the  spirit,  he 
cannot  enter  into  the  kingdom  of  God. 

Showing  the  administration  of  ordi- 
nances, by  proxy  or  substitution,  for  the 
dead — 

I  Cor.,  fifteenth  chapter: 

12  Now  if  Christ  be  preached  that  he  rose  from 
the  dead,  how  say  some  among  you  that  there  is  no 
resurrection  of  the  dead  ? 

13  But  if  there  be  no  resurrection  of  the  dead, 
then  is  Christ  not  risen: 

22  For  as  in  Adam  all  die,  even  so  in  Christ 
shall  all  be  made  alive. 


26  THE    PRECEPTOR. 

23  But  every  man  in  his  own  order:  Christ  the 
first  fruits;  afterward  they  that  are  Christ's  at  his 
coming. 

29  Else  what  shall  they  do  which  are  baptized  for 
the  dead,  if  the  dead  rise  not  at  all;  why  are  they 
then  baptized  for  the  dead? 

Showing  that  sins  are  remitted  or  for- 
given, beyond  this  life — 

Matt.^  twelfth  chapter: 

31  Wherefore  I  say  unto  you,  All  manner  of  sin 
and  blasphemy  shall  be  forgiven  unto  men;  but  the 
blasphemy  against  the  Holy  Ghost  shall  not  be  for- 
given unto  men. 

32  And  whosoever  speaketh  a  word  against  the 
Son  of  Man,  it  shall  be  forgiven  him;  but  whosoever 
speaketh  against  the  Holy  Ghost,  it  shall  not  be  for- 
given him,  neither  in  this  world,  neither  in  the  world 
to  come. 

The  Apostasy. 

Showing  a  universal  apostasy  from  the 
true  Gospel — 

Isaiah^  twenty-fourth  chapter: 

5  The  earth  also  is  defiled  under  the  inhabitants 
thereof;  because  they  have  transgressed  the  laws, 
changed  the  ordinance,  broken  the  everlasting  cove- 
nant. 

Rev.^  seventeenth  chapter: 

I  And  there  came  one  of  the  seven  angels  which 


THE   PRECEPTOR.  27 

had  the  seven  vials,  and  talked  with  me,  saying  unto 
me,  Come'  hither;  I  will  shew  unto  thee  the  judg- 
ment of  the  great  whore  that  sitteth  upon  many 
waters; 

2  With  whom  the  kiilgs  of  the  earth  have  com- 
mitted fornication,  and  the  inhabitants  of  the  eatth 
have  been  made  drunk  with  the  wine  of  her  for- 
nication. 

3  So  he  carried  me  away  in  the  Spirit  into  the 
wilderness:  and  I  saw  a  woman  sit'  upon  a  scarlet 
colored  beast,  full  of  names  of  blasphemy,  having 
seven  heads  and  ten  horns. 

4  And  the  woman  was  arrayed  in  purple  and  scar- 
let color,  and  decked  with  gold  and  precious  stones 
and  pearls,  having  a  golden  cup  in  her  hand,  full  of 
abominations  and  filthiness  of  her  fornication; 

5  And  upon  her  forehead  was  a  name  written, 
MYSTERY,  BABYLON  THE  GREAT,  THE 
MOTHER  OF  HARLOTS  AND  ABOMINATIONS 
OF  THE  EARTH. 

6  And  I  saw  the  woman  drunken  with  the  blood 
of  the  saints,  and  with  the  blood  of  the  martyrs  of 
Jesus;  and  when  I  saw  her,  I  wondered  with  great 
admiration. 

2  Thess.^  second  chapter: 

1  Now  I  beseech  you,  brethren,  by  the  coming 
of  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  and  by  our  gathering 
together  unto  him. 

2  That  ye  be  not  soon  shaken  in  mind,  or  be 
troubled,  neither  by  spirit,  nor  by  word,  nor  by  letter 
as  from  us,  as  that  the  day  of  Christ  is  at  hand. 

3  Let  no  man  deceive  you  by  any  means:  for  that 
day  shall  not  come,  except  there  come  a  falling  away 


28  THE    PRECEPTOR. 

first,  and  that  man  of  sin  be  revealed,  the  son  ol 
perdition. 

/  Timothy ,  fourth  chapter: 

1  Now  the  Spirit  speaketh  expressly,  that  in  the 
latfer  times  some  shall  depart  from  the  faith,  giving 
heed  to  seducing  spirits,  and  doctrines  of  devils; 

2  Speaking  lies  in  hypocrisy;  having  their  con- 
science seared  with  a  hot  iron; 

3  Forbidding  to  marry,  and  commanding  to  ab- 
stain from  meats,  which  God  hath  created  to  be  re- 
ceived with  thanksgiving  of  them  which  believe  and 
know  the  truth. 

2  Timothy ^  third  chapter: 

1  This  know  also,  that  in  the  last  days  perilous 
times  shall  come. 

2  For  men  shall  be  lovers  of  their  own  selves, 
covetous,  boasters,  proud,  blasphemers,  disobedient 
to  parents,  unthankful,  unholy, 

3  Without  natural  affection,  trucebreakers,  false 
accusers,  incontinent,  fierce,  despisers  of  those  that 
are  good, 

4  Traitors,  heady,  highminded,  lovers  of  pleasures 
more  than  lovers  of  God; 

5  Having  a  form  of  godliness,  but  denying  the 
power  thereof;  from  such  turn  away. 

Acts^  twentieth  chapter: 

28  Take  heed  therefore  unto  yourselves,  and  to 
all  the  flock,  over  the  which  the  Holy  Ghost  hath 
made  you  overseers,  to  feed  the  church  of  God, 
which  he  hath  purchased  with  his  own  blood. 

29  For  I  know  this,  that  after  my  departing  shall 


UNIVBRSITl 


THE    PRECEPTOR^v       ^ 

grievous  wolves  enter  in  among  you,  not  Sparing  thgvi 
flock. 

30  Also  of  your  own  selves  shall "  men  arise 
speaking  perverse  things,  to  draw  away  disciples 
after  them. 

Divine  Authority. 
Showing  the  necessity  of  divine  author- 
ity by  revelation — 
Hebrews,  fifth  chapter: 

1  For  every  high  priest  taken  from  among  men  is 
ordained  for  men  in  things  pertaining  to  God,  that 
he  may  offer  both  gifts  and  sacrifices  for  sins: 

2  Who  can  have  compassion  on  the  ignorant,  and 
on  them  that  are  out  of  the  way;  for  that  he  himself 
also  is  compassed  with  infirmity. 

3  And  by  reason  hereof  he  ought,  as  for  the 
people,  so  also  for  himself,  to  offer  for  sins. 

4  And  no  man  taketh  this  honor  unto  himself,  but 
he  that  is  called  of  God,  as  was  Aaron. 

Exodus,  twenty -eighth  chapter: 

I  And  take  thou  unto  thee  Aaron  thy  brother, 
and  his  sons  with  him,  from  among  the  children  of 
Israel,  that  he  may  minister  unto  me  in  the  priest^s 
office,  even  Aaron,  Nadab  and  Abihu,  Eleazer  and 
Ithamar,  Aaron's  sons. 

Matt.,  twenty  eighth  chapter: 

18  And  Jesus  came  and  spake  unto  them,  saying, 
All  power  is  given  unto  me  in  heaven  and  in  earth. 

19  Go  ye  therefore,  and  teach  all  nations,  bap- 


30  THE   PRECEPTOR. 

tizing  them  in  the  name  of  the  Father,  and  of  the 
Son,  and  of  the  Holy  Ghost: 

20  Teaching  them  to  observe  all  things  whatso- 
ever I  have  commanded  you:  and,  lo,  I  am  with  you 
alway,  even  unto  the  end  of  the  world.    Amen. 

Matt.,  eighteenth  chapter: 

18  Verily  I  say  unto  you.  Whatsoever  ye  shall 
bind  on  earth  shall  be  bound  in  heaven;  and  what- 
soever ye  shall  loose  on  earth  shall  be  loosed  in 
heaven. 

2  Cor.,  fifth  chapter: 

20  Now  then  we  are  ambassadors  for  Christ,  as 
though  God  did  beseech  you  by  us:  we  pray  you  in 
Christ's  stead,  be  ye  reconciled  to  God. 

Titus,  first  chapter: 

5  For  this  cause  left  I  thee  in  Crete,  that  thou 
shouldest  set  in  order  the  things  that  are  wanting, 
and  ordain  elders  in  every  city,  as  I  had  appointed 
thee. 

Restoration  of  the  Gospel. 

The  restoration  of  the  Gospel  in  the  lat- 
ter days  predicted — 

Matt.,  twenty  fourth  chapter: 

3  And  as  he  sat  upon  the  mount  of  Olives,  the 
disciples  came  unto  him  privately,  saying,  Tell  us, 
when  shall  these  things  be?  and  what  shall  be  the 
sign  of  thy  coming,  and  of  the  end  of  the  world? 

4  And  Jesus  answered  and  said  unto  them.  Take 
heed  that  no  man  deceive  you. 


THE   PRECEPTOR.  3I 

5  For  many  shall  come  in  my  name,  saying,  I  am 
Christ;  and  shall  deceive  many. 

6  And  ye  shall  hear  of  wars  and  rumors  ol  wars: 
see  that  ye  be  not  troubled;  for  all  these  things  must 
come  to  pass,  but  the  end  is  not  yet. 

7  For  nation  shall  rise  against  nation,  and  king- 
dom against  kingdom:  and  there  shall  be  famines, 
and  pestilences,  and  earthquakes,  in  divers  places. 

8  All  these  are  the  beginning  of  sorrows. 

9  Then  shall  they  deliver  you  up  to  be  afflicted, 
and  shall  kill  you:  and  ye  shall  be  hated  of  all  nations 
for  my  name's  sake. 

10  And  then  shall  many  be  offended,  and  shall 
betray  one  another,  and  shall  hate  one  another. 

11  And  many  false  prophets  shall  rise,  and  shall 
deceive  many. 

12  And  because  iniquity  shall  abound,  the  love  ol 
many  shall  wax  cold. 

13  But  he  that  shall  endure  unto  the  end,  the 
same  shall  be  saved. 

14  And  this  gospel  of  the  kingdom  shall  be 
preached  in  all  the  world  for  a  witness  unto  all 
nations;  and  then  shall  the  end  come. 

Showing  that  the  Restoration  was  an 
event  of  the  future — 

Rev.,  fourth  chapter: 

I  After  this  I  looked,  and,  behold,  the  door  was 
opened  in  heaven:  and  the  first  voice  which  I  heard 
was  as  it  were  of  a  trumpet  talking  with  me;  which 
said.  Come  up  hither,  and  I  will  shew  thee  things 
which  must  be  hereafter. 


32  THE   PRECEPTOR. 

Rev. ^fourteenth  chapter:  * 

6  And  I  saw  another  angel  fly  in  the  midst  of 
heaven,  having  the  everlasting  gospel  to  preach  unto 
them  that  dwell  on  the  earth,  and  to  every  nation,  and 
kindred,  and  tongue,  and  people, 

7  Saying  with  a  loud  voice.  Fear  God,  and  give 
glory  to  him;  for  the  hour  of  his  judgment  is  come: 
and  worship  him  that  made  heaven,  and  earth,  and 
the  sea,  and  the  fountains  of  waters. 

Showing  the  nature  of  an  angel — 

Rev.^  twenty -second  chapter: 

8  And  I  John  saw  these  things,  and  heard  them. 
And  when  I  had  heard  and  seen,  I  fell  down  to  wor- 
ship before  the  feet  of  the  angel  which  showed  me 
these  things. 

9  Then  saith  he  unto  me,  See  thou  do  it  not:  for 
I  am  thy  fellow  servant,  and  of  thy  brethren  the 
prophets,  and  of  them  which  keep  the  sayings  of  this 
book:  worship  God. 


CHAPTER  ir. 

THE   MODE    OF   OPERATION. 

The  foundation  and  chief  advantage  of 
the  method  of  teaching  is  to  set  up  a  nega- 
tive or  opposite  to  the  position  taken  by  the 


THE   PRECEPTOR. 


33 


student.  This  gives  him  something  to  talk 
to  or  against.  Thus  some  of  the  advantages 
accruing  from  the  debate  of  a  question  are 
attained,  without  the  great  disadvantage  of 
some  person  assuming  its  wrong  side,  and 
arguing  against  truth  and  conscience. 

This  is  done  by  stating  the  views  gener- 
ally held  by  sectarian  (notably  Protestant) 
religionists  on  any  given  point  in  opposition 
to  the  views  of  the  Latter-day  Saints. 


Positions  to  be  sus- 
tained by  the  student: 

First.  That  salvation 
cannot  be  attained  by  be- 
lief in  Christ  and  His 
atonement,  without  good 
works. 

Second.  That  the  only 
correct  method  of  bap- 
tism is  immersion;  that 
it  is  positively  essential 
to  salvation,  and  is  for 
the  remission  of  sins. 

Third.  That  the  Holy 
Ghost  is  obtained  after 
belief,  repentance  and 
baptism,    by    the    ordi- 


Positions  generally  as- 
sumed by  sectarians  {no- 
tably Protestants)  to  be 
reasoned  away  and  over- 
thrown by  the  student. 

First.  That  salvation 
can  be  obtained  by  be- 
lief in  Christ  and  His 
atonement,  independent 
of  good  works. 

Second.  That  baptism 
may  be  administered  by 
sprinkling,  pouring  or 
immersion;  that  it  is  not 
positively  essential,  and 
not  for  the  remission  of 
sins. 

Third.  That  the  Holy 
Ghost  can  be  obtained  by 
belief  in  the  Lord  Jesus 
Christ,     without   attend- 


34 


THE   PRECEPTOR. 


nance  of  laying  on  of 
the  hands  of  men  having 
divine  authority. 

Fourth.  That  Apos- 
tles, Prophets  and  other 
inspired  teachers  and 
revelation  are  as  neces- 
sary to  the  Church  now 
as  ever,  and  cannot  be 
dispensed  with. 

Fifth.  That  the  repen- 
tant and  probably  unbap- 
tized  thief  did  not  go  to 
heaven  direct,  but  to 
where  Christ  went,  when 
He  preached  to  the  spirits 
in  prison. 

Sixth.  That  there  was 
a  universal  apostasy  from 
the  true  order  of  the  Gos- 
pel, and  that  it  has  been 
again  restored  through 
the  agency  of  angels  and 
revelation. 

Seventh.  That  no  man 
has  a  right  to  preach  or 
administer  the  Gospel 
without  being  divinely 
authorized  by  revelation. 


ing  to  any  outward  ordi- 
nances. 

Fourth.  That  Apos- 
tles, Prophets  and  other 
inspired  teachers  and 
revelation  were  needed 
in  the  primitive  condi- 
tion of  the  Church,  but 
are  done  away  because 
no  longer  needed. 

Fifth.  Had  baptism 
for  the  remission  of  sins 
been  essential,  the  thief 
on  the  cross  would  not 
have  received  the  prom- 
ise to  be  with  Christ  in 
Paradise. 

Sixth.  That  the  Gos- 
pel has  been  on  the  earth 
continuously  since  the 
days  of  the  Savior;  there- 
fore it  was  not  necessary 
to  restore  it  in  these 
days. 

Seventh.  That  author- 
ity by  revelation  is  not 
necessary.  If  a  person 
feels  a  desire  to  preach 
or  administer,he  is  called 
to  do  so,  especially  if  he 
has  been  educated  for 
the  ministry. 


THE   PRECEPTOR.  35 

SUGGESTIONS   AND   RULES. 

Suggestions. 

The  teacher  should  necessarily  be  a 
person  of  some  experience  in  preaching 
the  Gospel,  familiar  with  the  strong  argu- 
ments, and  scriptural  proofs  sustaining  every 
point. 

It  is  preferable  that  the  class  should  be 
composed  of  young  men  who  express  a 
hearty  voluntary  desire  to  identify  them- 
selves with  it,  rather  than  those  who  need 
much  persuasion.  A  strong  inclination  to 
learn  is  a  chief  essential  to  progress. 

The  first  meeting  of  the  class  should  be 
devoted  to  talking  upon  each  of  the  above 
expressed  sectarian  views,  one  after  the 
other,  by  the  teacher,  who  should  explain 
how  to  overturn  them,  or  establish  the 
affirmative  by  reason  and  Scripture. 

Then  give  one  of  the  points  to  each  of 
the  students  to  speak  upon,  limiting  the  time 
of  the  pupil  to  fifteen  minutes  on  a  subject. 

This  should  be  kept  up  until  each  of  the 
pupils  has  disposed  of  the  whole  seven  posi- 
tions. Thus  he  will  be  obtaining  a  knowl- 
edge of  the  principles  of  the  Gospel,  be- 
coming informed   upon  the  views  of   the 


36  THE   PRECEPTOR. 

sectarians  regarding  them,  and  acquiring 
ability  to  preach  at  the  same  time. 

The  main  defect  in  ordinary  theological 
teaching  is  that  the  teacher  generally  does 
most  of  the  talking.  This  should  not  be 
the  case,  as  it  is  not  what  the  pupil  hears 
but  what  he  does  and  says  himself  that 
fastens  most  firmly  upon  his  mind. 

While  the  students  are  engaged  in  the 
exercises  the  teacher  should  be  careful  to 
give  them  all  the  encouragement  possible^ 
at  the  same  time,  in  a  kindly  manner,  point 
out  errors  and  defects  with  a  view  to  their 
being  avoided. 

After  the  seven  points  have  been  spoken 
upon  by  the  class,  the  teacher  should  occupy 
one  meeting  in  explaining  how,  by  the  aid 
of  the  Spirit  of  the  Lord,  each  member  can 
deliver  a  discourse,  illustrating  this  by  de- 
livering one  himself. 

The  next  thing  in  order  will  be  for  each 
pupil,  by  the  information  he  has  obtained, 
to  preach  a  discourse,  limited  to  half  an 
hour,  until  the  whole  class  has  gone  through 
that  exercise. 

If  the  young  men  are  fairly  or  a  little 
over  ordinarily  intelligent  and  reasonably 


THE   PRFXEPTOR.  37 

educated,  the  progress  attained  by  this  time 
will  be  very  marked,  and  in  some  instances, 
especially  if  the  teacher  has  tact  and  ability, 
astonishing. 

The  pupils  will  be  likely  ^o  be  dis- 
couraged on  the  start,  but  they  should  not 
give  up.  Faith,  patience,  perseverance  and 
the  aid  of  the  good  Spirit  will  insure  suc- 
cess in  every  instance.  Perhaps  it  would 
simplify  the  method  by  giving  the  following 
recapitulation  of  the  foregoing — 

First.   Study  well  the  scriptural  passages. 

Second.  The  teacher  should  speak  on 
each  of  the  sectarian  standpoints,  as  an 
opening  review. 

Third.  Each  student  should  be  given 
the  points  to  speak  to,  until  he  has  spoken 
on  the  whole. 

Fourth.  The  teacher  should  observe  the 
remarks  of  the  pupil,  with  a  view  to  cor- 
rection and  commendation. 

Fifth.  The  teacher  should  review  the 
whole,  delivering  a  discourse,  as  an  ex- 
ample. 

Sixth.  Each  of  the  pupils  should  alter- 
nately do  the  same. 

Seventh.    The  pupils  should  be  taught 


38  THE   PRECEPTOR. 

that  the  object  is  not  to  learn  a  discourse 
by  heart,  but  to  acquire  knowledge  to  be 
brought  to  their  remembrance  by  the  Spirit 
of  God,  whenever  needed  in  the  discharge 
of  their  duties. 

The  class  should  be  regulated  by  some- 
thing like  the  following — 
Rules. 

First.  For  the  method  to  operate  suc- 
cessfully and  admit  of  satisfactory  progress, 
there  should  not  be  more  than  twelve  pupils 
in  a  class. 

Second.  New  pupils  should  not  be  ad- 
mitted later  than  the  second  meeting;  other- 
wise progress  will  be  retarded. 

Third.  Students  who  absent  themselves 
from  two  consecutive  sessions  without  a 
satisfactory  excuse  should  be  dropped  from 
the  roll. 

Fourth.  The  exercises  should  invariably 
be  opened  and  closed  with  prayer. 

Fifth.  A  secretary  should  be  appointed 
at  the  first  meeting,  whose  duty  should  be 
to  keep  and  call  the  roll. 

Sixth.  The  order  in  which  the  pupils 
speak  should  be  according  to  relative  posi- 
tion on  the  roll. 


THE   PRECEPTOR.  39 


PART  SECOND. 

CHAPTER  III. 

Each  subject  in  this  part  of  the  Pre- 
ceptor is,  for  the  convenience  of  classes, 
arranged  in  divisions.  By  this  method  a 
portion  can,  if  desired,  be  assigned  to  each 
student  in  place  of  all  of  it.  After  each 
member  of  the  class  has  exercised  upon  the 
several  divisions,  he  can  then  go  over  the 
whole,  and  thus  become  master  of  the 
entire  subject  by  a  gradual  process. 

SUBJECTIVE   PROPOSITIONS. 

Positions   assumed  by 

Positions    to    be    sus-  sectarians   (notably  Pro- 

tained  by  the  student:  testants)  to  be  overthrown 

by  the  student: 

First.    God  the  Father  First.     "There   is  but 

is  a  tangible  personality,  one  living  and  true  God, 

having  a  body  like  unto  everlasting,  without  body, 

that  of  the  Son,  and  the  parts  or  passions."    ^    * 

Father,    Son    and    Holy  "There  be  three  persons, 

Ghost,  forming  the  God-  of  one  substance,  power 

head,    are    distinct    and  and  eternity;  the  Father, 

separate    personages  or  the   Son,  and  the   Holy 

entities.  Ghost." 

Second.  Wherever  the  Second.     The    Holy 


40 


THE    PRECEPTOR. 


Holy  Ghost  is  that  Spirit 
will  impart  miraculous 
powers,  and  where  His 
gifts  are  not  His  presence 
is  likewise  absent.  The 
denial  by  the  churches  of 
the  effects  produced  by 
the  Holy  Ghost  shows 
that  they  do  not  possess 
the  power  of  God  unto 
salvation. 

Third.  Man  lived  as 
an  organized  spiritual 
entity  before  coming  to 
earth,  and  that  there 
are  various  degrees  and 
places  of  punishment  on 
the  one  hand  and  of  hap- 
piness, glory  and  exalta- 
tion on  the  other,  and 
for  these  men  are  des- 
tined, according  to  their 
works. 

Fourth.  The  Book  of 
Mormon  was  brought 
forth  by  commandment 
of  God,  is  an  authentic 
record  of  the  ancient 
inhabitants  of  America, 
and  is  a  divinely  inspired 
book. 

Fifth.  Plurality  of 
wives  or  patriarchal  mar- 


Ghost  is  with  the  Chris- 
tian churches,  but  that 
Spirit  confers  no  miracu- 
lous gifts  and  powers, 
because  they  are  not 
required  in  this  enlight- 
ened age,  having  been 
merely  given  to  estabHsh 
the  Church  of  Christ  in 
its  infancy. 

Third.  Man  had  no 
existence  as  an  organized 
being  previous  to  coming 
upon  this  earth,  but  is  an 
immortal  soul,  and  as 
there  is  but  one  place  or 
condition  of  eternal  bliss, 
and  one  place  or  condi- 
tion of  eternal  misery, 
he  is  destined  to  go  to 
and  live  in  one  or  th^ 
other  forever. 

Fourth.  The  Book  of 
Mormon  is  an  invention 
of  man;  is  consequently 
not  an  authentic  record 
of  the  ancient  inhabit- 
ants of  America,  and  is 
not  a  divinely  inspired 
book. 

Fifth.  Plurality  ot 
wives  or  the  patriarchal 


THE    PRECEPTOR.  4I 

riage  is  sanctioned,  sus-  form  of  marriage  is  not 
tained  and  approved  by  sanctioned,  sustained  or 
the  Scriptures,  and  its  enjoined  by  the  Scrip- 
practice  has  been  blessed  tures,  and  has  never  been 
and  approved  of  God.  accompanied    by   the 

favor     and     blessing    ot 

God. 


THE   TANGIBLE   PERSONALrTY    OF   GOD. 

First  Division. 

Showing  that  the  Father,  Son  and  Holy 
Ghost  are  each  separate  and  distinct  entities: 

Matt.,  third  chapter: 

16  And  Jesus,  when  he  was  baptized,  went  up 
straightway  out  of  the  water:  and,  lo,  the  heavens 
were  opened  unto  him,  and  he  saw  the  Spirit  of  God 
descending  like  a  dove,  and  lighting  upon  him: 

17  And  lo  a  voice  from  heaven,  saying.  This  is  my 
beloved  Son,  in  whom  I  am  well  pleased. 

John,  fourteenth  chapter: 

16  And  I  will  pray  the  Father,  and  he  shall  give 
you  another  Comforter,  that  he  may  abide  with  you 
forever. 

17  Even  the  Spirit  of  truth;  whom  the  world  can- 
not receive,  because  he  seeth  him  not,  neither 
knoweth  him:  but  ye  know  him;  for  he  dwelleth  with 
you,  and  shall  be  in  you. 

25  These  things  have  I  spoken  unto  you,  being 
yet  present  with  you. 


42  THE    PRECEPTOR. 

26  But  the  Comforter,  which  is  the  Holy  Ghost, 
whom  the  Father  will  send  in  my  name,  he  shall 
teach  you  all  things,  and  bring  all  things  to  your 
remembrance,  whatsoever  I  have  said  unto  you. 

John,  sixteenth  chapter: 

6  But  because  I  have  said  these  things  unto  you, 
sorrow  hath  filled  your  heart. 

7  Nevertheless  I  tell  you  the  truth;  It  is  expedient 
for  you  that  I  go  away:  for  if  I  go  not  away,  the 
Comforter  will  not  come  unto  you;  but  if  I  depart,  I 
will  send  him  unto  you. 

8  And  when  he  is  come,  he  will  reprove  the 
world  of  sin,  and  of  righteousness,  and  of  judgment. 

Showing  that  the  unity  of  the  Godhead 
is  oneness  of  knowledge  and  purpose,  which 
the  disciples  are  commanded  to  emulate — 

John^  seventeenth  chapter: 

9  I  pray  for  them:  I  pray  not  for  the  world,  but 
for  them  which  thou  hast  given  me;  for  they  are 
thine. 

10  And  all  mine  are  thine;  and  thine  are  mine; 
and  I  am  glorified  in  them. 

11  And  now  I  am  no  more  in  the  world,  but  these 
are  in  the  world,  and  I  come  to  thee.  Holy  Father, 
keep  through  thine  own  name  those  whom  thou  hast 
given  me,  that  they  may  be  one,  as  we  are. 

20  Neither  pray  I  for  these  alone,  but  for  them 
also  which  shall  believe  on  me  through  their  word; 

21  That  they  all  may  be  one;  as  thou,  Father,  art 


THE   PRECEPTOR.  43 

in  me,  and  I  in  thee,  that  they  also  may  be  one  in  us; 
that  the  world  may  believe  that  thou  hast  sent  me. 

22  And  the  glory  which  thou  gavest  me  I  have 
given  them;  that  they  may  be  one,  even  as  we  are 
one: 

23  I  in  them,  and  thou  in  me,  that  they  may  be 
made  perfect  in  one;  and  that  the  world  may  know 

.  that  thou  hast  sent  me,  and  hast  loved  them,  as  thou 
hast  loved  me. 

John^  tenth  chapter: 

27  My  sheep  hear  my  voice,  and  I  know  them,  and 
they  follow  me: 

28  And  I  give  unto  them  eternal  life;  and  they 
shall  never  perish,  neither  shall  any  man  pluck  them 
out  of  my  hand. 

29  My  Father,  which  gave  them  me,  is  greater 
than  all;  and  no  man  is  able  to  pluck  them  out  of 
my  Father's  hand. 

30  I  and  my  Father  are  one. 

Matt.,  fifth  chapter: 

48  Be  ye  therefore  perfect,  even  as  your  Father 
which  is  in  heaven  is  perfect. 

John,  fourteenth  chapter: 

20  At  that  day  ye  shall  know  that  I  am  in  my 
Father,  and  ye  in  me,  and  I  in  you. 

Second  Division. 

Man  made  in  the  image  of  God — 


44  THE    PRECEPTOR. 

Genesis,  first  chapter: 

26  And  God  said,  Let  us  make  man  in  our  image, 
after  our  likeness;  and  let  them  have  dominion  over 
the  fish  of  the  sea,  and  over  the  fowl  of  the  air,  and 
over  the  cattle,  and  over  all  the  earth,  and  over  every 
creeping  thing  that  creepeth  upon  the  earth. 

27  So  God  created  man  in  his  own  image,  in  the 
image  of  God  created  he  him;  male  and  female 
created  he  them. 

Christ  the  Son  in  the  express  image  of 
the  person  of  God  the  Father — 

Hebrews,  first  chapter: 

1  God,  who  at  sundry  times  and  in  divers  man- 
ners spake  in  time  past  unto  the  fathers  by  the 
prophets, 

2  Hath  in  these  last  days  spoken  unto  us  by  his 
Son,  whom  he  hath  appointed  heir  of  all  things,  by 
whom  also  he  made  the  worlds; 

3  Who  being  the  brightness  of  his  glory,  and  the 
express  image  of  his  person,  and  upholding  all  things 
by  the  word  of  his  power,  when  he  had  by  himself 
purged  our  sins,  sat  down  on  the  right  hand  of  the 
Majesty  on  high. 

2  Cor.,  fourth  chapter: 

3  But  if  our  gospel  be  hid,  it  is  hid  to  them  that 
are  lost: 

4  In  whom  the  god  of  this  world  hath  blinded 
the  minds  of  them  which  believe  not,  lest  the  light 
of  the  glorious  gospel  of  Christ,  who  is  the  image 
of  God,  should  shine  unto  them. 


THE   PRECEPTOR.  45 

The  appearance  and  personality  of  God 
the  Father  can  be  judged  by  those  of  God 
the  Son  after  His  resurrection — 
Luke,  twenty-fourth  chapter: 

36  And  as  they  thus  spake,  Jesus  himself  stood  in 
the  midst  of  them,  and  saith  unto  them.  Peace  be 
unto  you. 

37  But  they  were  terrified  and  affrighted,  and 
supposed  that  they  had  seen  a  spirit. 

38  And  he  said  unto  them,  Why  are  ye  troubled? 
and  why  do  thoughts  arise  in  your  hearts? 

39  Behold  my  hands  and  my  feet,  that  it  is  I 
myself:  handle  me,  and  see;  for  a  spirit  hath  not  flesh 
and  bones,  as  ye  see  me  have. 

40  And  when  he  had  thus  spoken,  he  shewed 
them  his  hands  and  his  feet. 

41  And  while  they  yet  believed  not  for  joy,  and 
wondered,  he  said  unto  them.  Have  ye  here  any  meat? 

42  And  they  gave  him  a  piece  of  a  broiled  fish, 
and  of  a  honeycomb. 

43  And  he  took  it,  and  did  eat  before  them. 

Third  Division. 

The  following  further  prove  the  tangible 
personality  of  God,  and  that  He  possesses 
parts  and  passions — 

Genesis,  eleventh  chapter: 

5  And  the  Lord  came  down  to  see  the  city  and 
the  tower,  which  the  children  of  men  builded. 

6  And  the  Lord  said,  Behold,  the  people  is  one, 
and  they  have  all  one  language;  and  this  they  begin 


46  THE   PRECEPTOR. 

to  do:  and  now  nothing  will  be  restrained  from  them, 
which  they  have  imagined  to  do. 

7  Go  to,  let  us  go  down,  and  there  confound  their 
language,  that  they  may  not  understand  one  another's 
speech. 

8  So  the  Lord  scattered  them  abroad  from  thence 
upon  the  face  of  all  the  earth:  and  they  left  off  to 
build  the  city. 

9  Therefore  is  the  name  of  it  called  Babel; 
because  the  Lord  did  there  confound  the  language 
of  all  the  earth:  and  from  thence  did  the  Lord 
scattered  them  abroad  upon  the  face  of  all  the 
earth. 

Gefiesis,  twelfth  chapter: 

7  And  the  Lord  appeared  unto  Abram,  and  said. 
Unto  thy  seed  will  I  give  this  land:  and  there 
builded  he  an  altar  unto  the  Lord,  who  appeared 
unto  him. 

Genesis^  eighteenth  chapter: 

1  And  the  Lord  Appeared  unto  him  in  the  plains 
of  Mamre:  and  he  sat  in  the  tent  door  in  the  heat  of 
the  day; 

2  And  he  lifted  up  his  eyes  and  looked,  and,  lo,, 
three  men  stood  by  him:  and  when  he  saw  them,  he 
ran  to  meet  them  from  the  tent  door,  and  bowed 
himself  toward  the  ground. 

3  And  said,  My  Lord,  if  now  I  have  found  favor 
in  thy  sight,  pass  not  away,  I  pray  thee,  from  thy 
servant: 

4  Let  a  little  water,  I  pray  you,  be  fetched,  and 
wash  your  feet,  and  rest  yourselves  under  the  tree: 


THE   PRECEPTOR.  47 

5  And  I  will  fetch  a  morsel  of  bread,  and  com- 
fort ye  your  hearts;  after  that  ye  shall  pass  on;  for 
therefore  are  ye  come  to  your  servant.  And  they 
said,  So  do,  as  thou  hast  said. 

6  And  Abraham  hastened  into  the  tent  unto 
Sarah,  and  said.  Make  ready  quickly  three  measures 
of  fine  meal,  knead  it,  and  make  cakes  upon  the 
hearth. 

7  And  Abraham  ran  unto  the  herd,  and  fetched 
a  calf  tender  and  good,  and  gave  it  unto  a  young 
man;  and  he  hasted  to  dress  it. 

8  And  he  took  butter,  and  milk,  and  the  calf 
which  he  had  dressed,  and  set  it  before  them;  and 
he  stood  by  them  under  the  tree,  and  they  did  eat. 

33  And  the  Lord  went  his  way,  as  soon  as 
he  had  left  communi-ng  with  Abraham:  and  Abraham 
returned  unto  his  place. 

Genesis^  thirty-second  chapter: 

24  And  Jacob  was  left  alone,  and  there  wrestled 
a  man  with  him  until  the  breaking  of  the  day. 

25  And  when  he  saw  that  he  prevailed  not  against 
him,  he  touched  the  hollow  of  his  thigh;  and  the  hol- 
low of  Jacob's  thigh  was  out  of  joint,  as  he  wrestled 
with  him. 

26  And  he  said,  Let  me  go,  for  the  day  breaketh. 
And  he  said,  I  will  not  let  thee  go,  except  thou  bless 
me. 

27  And  he  said  unto  him,  What  is  thy  name? 
And  he  said,  Jacob. 

28  And  he  said.  Thy  name  shall  be  called  no  more 
Jacob,  but  Israel:  for  as  a  prince  hast  thou  power 
with  God  and  with  men,  and  hast  prevailed. 


48  THE    PRECEPTOR. 

29  And  Jacob  asked  him,  and  said,  Tell  me,  I  pray 
thee,  thy  name.  And  he  said,  Wherefore  is  it  that 
thou  dost  ask  after  my  name?  And  he  blessed  him 
there. 

30  And  Jacob  called  the  name  of  the  place  Peniel: 
for  I  have  seen  God  face  to  face,  and  my  life  is  pre- 
served. 

Exodus,  thirty-first  chapter: 

18  And  he  gave  unto  Moses,  when  he  had  made 
an  end  of  communing  with  him  upon  mount  Sinai, 
two  tables  of  testimony,  tables  of  stone,  written  with 
the  finger  of  God. 

Exodus,  thirty-third  chapter: 

II  And  the  Lord  spake  unto  Moses  face  to  face, 
as  a  man  speaketh  unto  his  friend.  And  he  turned 
again  into  the  camp;  but  his  servant  Joshua,  the  son 
of  Nun,  a  young  man,  departed  not  out  of  the  taber- 
nacle. 

The  passages  which  show  that  God  has 
exhibited  the  various  passions,  such  as  love, 
hate,  etc.,  are  so  numerous  that  it  is  scarcely 
necessary  to  insert  them  for  the  benefit  of 
the  student,  who  can  find  them  scattered 
throughout  the  Old  and  New  Testaments. 

The  following  passage  is  a  proclamation 
that  was  to  be  made  in  the  latter  days,  and 
shows  clearly  that  at  the  time  of  the 
announcement  the  people  of  every  nation 


THE    PRECEPTOR.  49 

and  kindred  would  be  worshiping  a  God  of 
their  own  creation,  and  not  the  Maker  of 
all  things — 

Rev.^  fourteenth  chapter: 

6  And  I  saw  another  angel  fly  in  the  midst  of 
heaven,  having  the  everlasting  gospel  to  preach  unto 
them  that  dwell  on  the  earth,  and  tg  every  nation,  and 
kindred,  and  tongue,  and  people, 

7  Saying  with  a  loud  voice.  Fear  God,  and  give 
glory  to  him;  for  the  hour  of  his  judgment  is  come: 
and  worship  him  that  made  heaven,  and  earth,  and 
the  sea,  and  the  fountains  of  waters. 


CHAPTER  IV. 

THE   HOLY    GHOST    AND   SPIRITUAL   GIFTS. 
First  Division. 

The  Holy  Ghost  is  also  called  in  the 
Scriptures,  the  Holy  Spirit,  the  Spirit  of 
God  and  the  Spirit  of  Truth. 

Showing  who  are  entitled  to  the  fellow- 
ship of  the  Spirit — 

Acts,  second  chapter: 

37  Now  when  they  heard  this,  they  were  pricked 

in  their  heart,  and  said  unto  Peter  and  to  the  rest  of 

the  apostles,  Men  and  brethren,  what  shall  we  do? 
4 


50  THE    PRECEPTOR. 

38  Then  Peter  said  unto  them,  Repent,  and  be 
baptized  every  one  of  you  in  the  name  of  Jesus 
Christ,  for  the  remission  of  sins,  and  ye  shall  receive 
the  gift  of  the  Holy  Ghost. 

39  For  the  promise  is  unto  you,  and  to  your 
children,  and  to  all  that  are  afar  off,  even  as  many  as 
Lord  our  God  shall  call. 

The  Holy  Ghost  as  a  comforter,  teacher 
and  guide  to  the  faithful — 

John,  sixteenth  chapter: 

12  I  have  yet  many  things  to  say  unto  you,  but  ye 
cannot  bear  them  now. 

13  Howbeit  when  he,  the  Spirit  of  truth,  is  come, 
he  will  guide  you  into  all  truth:  for  he  shall  not 
speak  of  himself;  but  whatsoever  he  shall  hear, 
that  shall  he  speak:  and  he  will  shew  you  things  to 
come. 

LukCy  twelfth  chapter: 

11  And  when  they  bring  you  unto  the  syna- 
gogues, and  unto  magistrates,  and  powers,  take  ye 
no  thought  how  or  what  thing  ye  shall  answer,  or 
what  ye  shall  say: 

12  For  the  Holy  Ghost  shall  teach  you  in  the 
same  hour  what  ye  ought  to  say. 

/  Cor.,  secoftd  chapter: 

13  Which  things  also  we  speak,  not  in  the  words 
which  man's  wisdom  teacheth,  but  which  the  Holy 
Ghost  teacheth;  comparing  spiritual  things  with 
spiritual. 


THE    PRECEPTOR.  5I 

14  But  the  natural  man  receiveth  not  the  things 
of  the  Spirit  of  God:  for  they  are  foolishness  unto  him: 
neither  can  he  know  them,  because  they  are  spirit- 
ually discerned. 

15  But  he  that  is  spiritual  judgeth  all  things,  yet 
he  himself  is  judged  of  no  man. 

16  For  who  hath  known  the  mind  of  the  Lord, 
that  he  may  instruct  him?  But  we  have  the  mind  of 
Christ. 

John,  fifteenth  chapter: 

26  But  when  the  Comforter  is  come,  whom  I  will 
send  unto  you  from  the  Father,  even  the  Spirit  of 
truth,  which  proceedeth  from  the  Father,  he  shall 
testify  of  me : 

27  And  ye  also  shall  bear  witness,  because  ye  have 
been  with  me  from  the  beginning. 

The  Holy  Ghost  a  teacher  in  regard  to 
temporal  as  well  as  spiritual  concerns — 

Exodus^  thirty- first  chapter: 

1  And  the  Lord  spake  unto  Moses,  saying, 

2  See,  I  have  called  by  name,  Bezaleel  the  son  of 
Uri,  the  son  of  Hur,  of  the  tribe  of  Judah: 

3  And  I  have  filled  him  with  the  Spirit  of  God,  in 
wisdom,  and  in  understanding,  and  in  knowledge, 
and  in  all  manner  of  workmanship. 

/  Chron.,  twenty- eighth  chapter: 

II  Then  David  gave  to  Solomon  his  son  the 
pattern  of  the  porch,  and  of  the  houses  thereof,  and 
of  the  treasuries  thereof,  and  of  the  upper  chambers 


52  THE   PRECEPTOR. 

thereof,  and  of  the  inner  parlors  thereof,  and  of  the 
place  of  the  mercy  seat, 

12  And  the  pattern  of  all  that  he  had  by  the  Spirit, 
of  the  courts  of  the  house  of  the  Lord,  and  of  all 
the  chambers  round  about,  of  the  treasuries  of  the 
house  of  God,  and  of  the  treasuries  of  the  dedicated 
things; 

13  Also  for  the  courses  of  the  priests  and  the 
Levites  and  for  all  the  work  of  the  service  of  the 
house  of  the  Lord,  and  for  all  the  vessels  of  service 
in  the  house  of  the  Lord. 

Second  Divisioft. 

The  Spirit  a  sustainer  and  quickener  of 
the  physical  body — 
Matt.y  fourth  chapter: 

1  Then  was  Jesus  led  up  of  the  Spirit  into  the 
wilderness  to  be  tempted  of  the  devil. 

2  And  when  he  had  fasted  forty  days  and  forty 
nights,  he  was  afterward  a  hungered. 

Romans^  eighth  chapter: 

II  But  if  the  Spirit  of  him  that  raised  up  Jesus 
from  the  dead  dwell  in  you,  he  that  raised  up  Christ 
from  the  dead  shall  also  quicken  your  mortal  bodies 
by  his  Spirit  that  dwelleth  in  you. 

A  medium  of  communication  between 
God  and  man — 

I  Cor.,  second  chapter: 

9  But  as  it  is  written,  Eye  hath  not  seen,  nor  ear 


THE   PRECEPTOR.  53 

heard,  neither  have  entered  into  the  heart  of  man, 
the  things  which  God  hath  prepared  for  them  that 
love  him. 

10  But  God  hath  revealed  them  unto  us  by  his 
Spirit:  for  the  Spirit  searcheth  all  things,  yea,  the 
deep  things  of  God. 

11  For  what  man  knoweth  the  things  of  a  man, 
save  the  spirit  of  man  which  is  in  him?  even  so  the 
things  of  God  knoweth  no  man,  but  the  Spirit  of 
God. 

12  Now  we  have  received,  not  the  spirit  of  the 
world,  but  the  Spirit  which  is  of  God;  that  we 
might  know  the  things  that  are  freely  given  to  us  of 
God. 

Joh7i,  seventh  chapter: 

i6  Jesus  answered  them,  and  said.  My  doctrine  is 
not  mine,  but  his  that  sent  me. 

17  If  any  man  will  do  his  will,  he  shall  known  of 
the  doctrine,  whether  it  be  of  God,  or  whether  I 
speak  of  myself. 

Rev,,  seco7id  chapter: 

7  He  that  hath  an  ear,  let  him  hear  what  the 
Spirit  saith  unto  the  churches;  To  him  that  over- 
cometh  will  I  give  to  eat  of  the  tree  of  life,  which  is 
in  the  midst  of  the  paradise  of  God. 

Luke,  second  chapter: 

25  And,  behold,  there  was  a  man  in  Jerusalem, 
whose  name  was  Simeon;  and  the  same  man  was 
just  and  devout,  waiting  for  the  consolation  of  Israel; 
and  the  Holy  Ghost  was  upon  him. 


54  THE   PRECEPTOR. 

26  And  it  was  revealed  unto  him  by  the  Holy 
Ghost,  that  he  should  not  see  death,  before  he  had 
seen  the  Lord's  Christ. 

27  And  he  came  by  the  Spirit  into  the  temple: 
and  when  the  parents  brought  in  the  child  Jesus,  to 
do  for  him  after  the  custom  of  the  law. 

I  Sam.y  tenth  chapter: 

10  And  when  they  came  thither  to  the  hill,  behold, 
a  company  of  prophets  met  him;  and  the  Spirit  of 
God  came  upon  him,  and  he  prophesied  among 
them. 

11  And  it  came  to  pass,  when  all  that  knew  him 
beforetime  saw  that,  behold,  he  prophesied  among 
the. prophets,  then  the  people  said  one  to  another. 
What  is  this  that  is  come  unto  the  son  of  Kish?  Is 
Saul  also  among  the  prophets? 

Rev.,  first  chapter: 

9  I  John,  who  also  am  your  brother,  and  com- 
panion in  tribulation,  and  in  the  kingdom  and  patience 
of  Jesus  Christ,  was  in  the  isle  that  is  called  Patmos, 
for  the. word  of  God,  and  for  the  testimony  of  Jesus 
Christ. 

10  I  was  in  the  Spirit  on  the  Lord's  day,  and 
heard  behind  me  a  great  voice,  as  of  a  trumpet. 

The  Holy  Ghost  the  principle  of  power 
by  which  the  Priesthood  of  God  are  actu- 
ated in  their  ministrations — 

Num.,  eleventh  chapter: 

16  And  the  Lord  said  unto  Moses,  Gather  unto 


THE   PRECEPTOR.  55 

me  seventy  men  of  the  elders  of  Israel,  whom  thou 
knowest  to  be  the  elders  of  the  people,  and  officers 
over  them;  and  bring  them  unto  the  tabernacle  of 
the  congregation,  that  they  may  stand  there  with  .thee. 
17  And  I  will  come  down  and  talk  with  thee  there: 
and  I  will  take  of  the  spirit  which  is  upon  thee,  and 
will  put  it  upon  them;  and  they  shall  bear  the 
burden  of  the  people  with  thee,  that  thou  bear  it  not 
thyself  alone. 

24  And  Moses  went  out,  and  told  the  people  the 
words  of  the  Lord,  and  gathered  the  seventy  men  of 
the  elders  of  the  people,  and  set  them  round  about 
the  tabernacle. 

25  And  the  Lord  came  down  in  a  cloud,  and 
spake  unto  him,  and  took  of  the  spirit  that  was  upon 
him,  and  gave  it  unto  the  seventy  elders:  and  it 
came  to  pass,  that,  when  the  spirit  rested  upon  them, 
they  prophesied,  and  did  not  cease. 

1  Cor.^  second  chapter: 

4  And  my  speech  and  my  preaching  was  not  with 
enticing  words  of  man's  wisdom,  but  in  demonstra- 
tion of  the  Spirit  and  of  power; 

5  That  your  faith  should  not  stand  in  the  wisdom 
of  men,  but  in  the  power  of  God. 

2  Cor.,  third  chapter: 

5  Not  that  we  are  sufficient  of  ourselves  to 
think  any  thing  as  of  ourselves;  but  our  sufficiency 
is  of  God; 

6  Who  also  hath  made  us  able  ministers  of  the 
new  testament;  not  of  the  letter,  but  of  the  spirit: 
for  the  letter  killeth,  but  the  spirit  giveth  life. 


55  THE    PRECEPTOR. 

Acls,  first  chapter: 

7  And  he  said  unto  them,  It  is  not  for  you  to  know 
the  times  or  the  seasons,  which  the  Father  hath  put 
in  his  own  power. 

8  But  ye  shall  receive  power,  after  that  the 
Holy  Ghost  is  come  upon  you:  and  ye  shall  be  wit- 
nesses unto  me  both  in  Jerusalem,  and  in  all  Judea, 
and  in  Samaria,  and  unto  the  uttermost  parts  of  the 
earth. 

Third  Divisio7i. 

Miraculous  gifts  given  by  the  Holy 
Ghost,  and  whicli  must  always  characterize 
the  true  Church — 

Acts^  twentieth  chapter: 

22  And  now,  behold,  I  go  bound  in  the  spirit 
unto  Jerusalem,  not  knowing  the  things  that  shall 
befal  me  there: 

23  Save  that  the  Holy  Ghost  witnesseth  in  every 
city,  saying  that  bonds  and  afflictions  abide  me. 

Mark,  sixteenth  chapter: 

17  And  these  signs  shall  follow  them  that  believe: 
In  my  name  shall  they  cast  out  devils;  they  shall 
speak  with  new  tongues; 

18  They  shall  take  up  serpents;  and  if  they  drink 
any  deadly  thing,  it  shall  not  hurt  them;  they  shall 
lay  hands  on  the  sick,  and  they  shall  recover. 

19  So  then,  after  the  Lord  had  spoken  unto  them, 
he  was  received  up  into  heaven,  and  sat  on  the  right 
hand  of  God. 


THE   PRECEPTOR.  57 

20  And  they  went  forth,  and  preached  every 
where,  the  Lord  working  with  them,  and  confirming 
the  word  with  signs  following. 

2  Peter,  first  chapter: 

19  We  have  also  a  more  sure  word  of  prophecy; 
whereunto  ye  do  well  that  ye  take  heed,  as  unto  a 
light  that  shineth  in  a  dark  place,  until  the  day  dawn, 
and  the  daystar  arise  in  your  hearts: 

20  Knowing  this  first,  that  no  prophecy  of  the 
Scripture  is  of  any  private  interpretation. 

21  For  the  prophecy  came  not  in  old  time  by  the 
will  of  man:  but  holy  men  of  God  spake  as  they  were 
moved  by  the  Holy  Ghost. 

/  Cor.,  twelfth  chapter: 

3  Wherefore,  I  give  you  to  understand,  that  no 
man  speaking  by  the  Spirit  of  God  calleth  Jesus 
accursed:  and  that  no  man  can  say  that  Jesus  is  the 
Lord,  but  by  the  Holy  Ghost. 

4  Now  there  are  diversities  of  gifts,  but  the  same 
Spirit. 

5  And  there  are  differences  of  administrations, 
but  the  same  feord. 

6  And  there  are  diversities  of  operations,  but  it  is 
the  same  God  which  wfJrketh  all  in  all. 

7  But  the  manifestation  of  the  Spirit  is  given  to 
every  man  to  profit  withal. 

8  For  to  one  is  given  by  the  Spirit  the  word  of 
wisdom;  to  another  the  word  of  knowledge  by  the 
same  Spirit; 

9  To  another  faith  by  the  same  Spirit;  to  another 
the  gifts  of  healing  by  the  same  Spirit; 


58  THE   PRECEPTOR. 

10  To  another  the  working  of  miracles ;  to 
another  prophecy;  to  another  discerning  of  spirits; 
to  another  divers  kinds  of  tongues;  to  another  the 
interpretation  of  tongues; 

11  But  all  these  worketh  that  one  and  the  self- 
same Spirit,  dividing  to  every  man  severally  as  he 
will. 

12  For  as  the  body  is  one,  and  hath  many  mem- 
bers, and  all  the  members  of  that  one  body,  being 
many,  are  one  body;  so  also  is  Christ. 

27  Now  ye  are  the  body  of  Christ,  and  members 
in  particular. 

28  And  God  hath  set  some  in  the  church,  first 
apostles,  secondarily  prophets,  thirdly  teachers,  after 
that  miracles,  then  gifts  of  healings,  helps,  govern- 
ments, diversities  of  tongues. 

29  Are  all  apostles?  are  all  prophets?  are  all 
teachers?  are  all  workers  of  miracles? 

30  Have  all  the  gifts  of  healing?  do  all  speak  with 
tongues?  do  all  interpret? 

31  But  covet  earnestly  the  best  ""gifts:  and  yet 
shew  I  unto  you  a  more  excellent  way. 

Acts,  second  chapter: 

1  And  when  the  day  of  Pentecost  was  fully  come, 
they  were  all  with  one  accord  in  one  place. 

2  And  suddenly  there  came  a  sound  from  heaven 
as  of  a  rushing  mighty  wind,  and  it  filled  all  the 
house  where  they  were  sitting. 

3  And  there  appeared  unto  them  cloven  tongues 
like  as  of  fire,  and  it  sat  upon  each  of  them. 

4  And  they  were  all  filled  with  the  Holy  Ghost, 
and  began  to  speak  with  other  tongues,  as  the  Spirit 
gave  them  utterance. 


THE   PRECEPTOR.  59 

Acts,  nineteenth  chapter: 

4  Then  said  Paul,  John  verily  baptized  with  the 
baptism  of  repentance,  saying  unto  the  people,  that 
they  should  believe  on  him  which  should  come  after 
him,  that  is,  on  Christ  Jesus. 

5  When  they  heard  this,  they  were  baptized  in 
the  name  of  the  Lord  Jesus. 

6  And  when  Paul  had  laid  his  hands  upon  them, 
the  Holy  Ghost  came  on  them;  and  they  spake  with 
tongues,  and  prophesied. 

7  And  all  the  men  were  about  twelve. 

Joel,  second  chapter: 

28  And  it  shall  come  to  pass  afterward,  that  I 
will  pour  out  my  Spirit  upon  all  flesh;  and  your  sons 
and  your  daughters  shall  prophesy,  your  old  men 
shall  dream  dreams,  your  young  men  shall  see  visions; 

29  And  also  upon  the  servants  and  upon  the 
handmaids  in  those  days  will  I  pour  out  my  Spirit. 

30  And  I  will  shew  wonders  in  the  heavens 
and  in  the  earth,  blood,  and  fire,  and  pillars  of 
smoke. 

31  The  sun  shall  be  turned  into  darkness,  and  the 
moon  into  blood,  before  the  great  and  the  terrible 
day  of  the  Lord  come. 

32  And  it  shall  come  to  pass,  that  whosoever 
shall  call  on  the  name  of  the  Lord,  shall  be 
delivered:  for  in  Mount  Zion  and  in  Jerusalem  shall 
be  deliverance,  as  the  Lord  hath  said,  and  in  the 
remnant  whom  the  Lord  shall  call. 

Fourth  Division. 
Showing  that  signs  come  through  and 


6o  THE   PRECEPTOR 

by  the  exercise  of  faith,  and  not  to  create 
faith  or  satisfy  curiosity. 

Christ  himself  was  hindered  from  per- 
forming miracles  because  of  the  want  of 
faith  among  the  people — 

Matt.,  thirteenth  chapter: 

57  And  they  were  offended  in  him.  But  Jesus 
said  unto  them,  A  prophet  is  not  without  honor,  save 
in  his  own  country,  and  in  his  own  house. 

58  And  he  did  not  many  mighty  works  there 
because  of  their  unbelief. 

Even  the  servants  of  God  do  not  recover 
by  administration  of  holy  ordinances,  when 
they  do  not  possess  the  gift  of  faith  to  be 
healed. 

2  Tim.,  fourth  chapter: 

20  Erastus  abode  at  Corinth:  but  Trophimus 
have  I  left  at  Miletum  sick. 

Matt.,  seventeenth  chapter: 

14  And  when  they  were  come  to  the  multitude, 
there  came  to  him  a  certain  man,  kneeling  down  to 
him,  and  saying, 

15  Lord,  have  mercy  on  my  son;  for  he  is 
lunatic,  and  sore  vexed:  for  ofttimes  he  falleth  into 
the  fire,  and  oft  into  the  water. 

16  And  I  brought  him  to  thy  disciples,  and  they 
could  not  cure  him. 


THE    PRECEPTOR.  6l 

17  Then  Jesus  answered  and  said,  O  faithless 
and  perverse  generation,  how  long  shall  I  be  with 
you?  how  long  shall  I  suffer  you?  bring  him  hither  to 
me. 

18  And  Jesus  rebuked  the  devil;  and  he  departed 
out  of  him:  and  the  child  was  cured  from  that  very 
hour. 

19  Then  came  the  disciples  to  Jesus  apart,  and 
said,  Why  could  not  we  cast  him  out? 

20  And  Jesus  said  unto  them,  Because  of  your 
unbelief:  for  verily  I  say  unto  you,  If  ye  have  faith 
as  a  grain  of  mustard  seed,  ye  shall  say  unto  this 
mountain.  Remove  hence  to  yonder  place,  and  it 
shall  remove:  and  nothing  shall  Idq  impossible  unto 
you. 

Mark^  fifth  chapter: 

27  When  she  had  heard  of  Jesus,  came  in  the 
press  behind,  and  touched  his  garments. 

28  For  she  said.  If  I  may  touch  but  his  clothes,  I 
shall  be  whole. 

29  And  straightway  the  fountain  of  her  blood  was 
dried  up;  and  she  felt  in  her  body  that  she  was 
healed  of  that  plague. 

30  And  Jesus,  immediately  knowing  in  himself 
that  virtue  had  gone  out  of  him,  turned  him  about  in 
the  press,  and  said,  Who  touched  my  clothes? 

31  And  his  disciples  said  unto  him,  Thou  seest 
the  multitude  thronging  thee,  and  sayest  thou,  Who 
touched  me? 

32  And  he  looked  round  about  to  see  her  that 
had  done  this  thing. 

33  But  the  woman  fearing  and  trembling,  know- 


62  THE   PRECEPTOR. 

ing  what  was  done  in  her,  came  and  fell  down  before 
him,  and  told  him  all  the  truth. 

34  And  he  said  unto  her.  Daughter,  thy  faith 
hath  made  thee  whole;  go  in  peace,  and  be  whole  of 
thy  plague. 

Showing  the  class  of  characters  who 
seek  for  signs  at  the  hands  of  GocVs  ser- 
vants— 

Matt,,  twelfth  chapter: 

38  Then  certain  ,of  the  scribes  and  of  the  Phari- 
sees answered,  saying,  Master,  we  would  see  a  sign 
from  thee. 

39  But  he  answered  and  said  unto  them,  An  evil 
and  adulterous  generation  seeketh  after  a  sign;  and 
there  shall  no  sign  be  given  to  it,  but  the  sign  of  the 
prophet  Jonas. 

Luke,  eleventh  chapter: 

29  And  when  the  people  were  gathered  thick 
together,  he  began  to  say,  This  is  an  evil  generation: 
they  seek  a  sign;  and  there  shall  no  sign  be  given  it, 
but  the  sign  of  Jonas  the  prophet. 

30  For  as  Jonas  was  a  sign  unto  the  Ninevites,  so 
shall  also  the  Son  of  man  be  to  this  generation. 

Reasoning  upon  the  abundant  evidence 
furnished  by  the  Scriptures,  the  student  is 
justified  in  taking  the  ground  that  the 
churches  which  deny  and  do  not  possess 


THE   PRECEPTOR.  63 

spiritual  gifts,  are  devoid  also  of  the  Holy- 
Ghost.  They  are  without  power,  or  com- 
munication with  the  heavens,  because  the 
presence  of  that  Spirit  to  the  degree  to  which 
the  true  disciples  of  Christ  are  entitled  to 
His  fellowship  would  produce  the  mani- 
festations enjoyed  by  the  ancient  Saints. 


CHAPTER  V. 

ORIGIN,  AGENCY    AND   DESTINY    OF   MAN. 
First  Division, 

Showing  that  Christ  existed  in  the  spirit 
previous  to  assuming,  by  command  of  the 
Father,  a  mortal  state — 

John,  sixteenth  chapter: 

28  I  came  forth  from  the  Father,  and  am  come  into 
the  world:  again,  I  leave  the  world,  and  go  to  the 
Father. 

John,  seventeenth  chapter: 

5  And  now,  O  Father,  glorify  thou  me  with  thine 
own  self  with  the  glory  which  I  had  with  thee  before 
the  world  was. 

/  Peter,  first  chapter: 

18  Forasmuch  as  ye   know   that  ye   were  not 


64  THE   PRECEPTOR. 

redeemed  with  corruptible  things,  as  silver  and  gold, 
from  your  vain  conversation  received  by  tradition 
from  your  fathers; 

19  But  with  the  precious  blood  of  Christ,  as  of  a 
lamb  without  blemish  and  without  spot: 

20  Who  verily  was  foreordained  before  the 
foundation  of  the  world,  but  was  manifest  in  these 
last  times  for  you. 

John,  sixth  chapter: 

62  What  and  if  ye  shall  see  the  Son  of  Man 
ascend  up  where  he  was  before? 

Showing  that  man  also  had  a  spiritual 
pre-existence,  and  that  God  is  the  actual 
Father  of  his  spirit — 

Ecclesiastes,  twelfth  chapter: 

7  Then  shall  the  dust  return  to  the  earth  as  it 
was:  and  the  spirit  shall  return  unto  God  who  gave  it. 

Job^  thirty- eighth  chapter: 

1  Then  the  Lord  answered  Job  out  of  the  whirl- 
wind, and  said, 

2  Who  is  this  that  darkeneth  counsel  by  words 
without  knowledge? 

'3  Gird  up  now  thy  loins  like  a  man;  for  I  will 
demand  of  thee,  and  answer  thou  me. 

4  Where  wast  thou  when  I  laid  the  foundations 
of  the  earth?  declare,  if  thou  hast  understanding. 

5  Who  hath  laid  the]  measures  thereof,  if  thou 
knowest?  or  who  hath  stretched  the  line  upon  it? 


THE   PRECEPT! 


■IVER|IT' 


6  Whereupon  are  the  foundations 
or  who  laid  the  corner  stone  thereof; 

7  When  the  morning  stars  sang  together,  and  all 
the  sons  of  God  shouted  for  joy? 

Hebrews,  twelfth  chapter: 

9  Furthermore,  we  have  had  fathers  of  our  flesh 
which  corrected  uSy  and  we  gave  them  reverence: 
shall  we  not  much  rather  be  in  subjection  unto  the 
Father  of  spirits,  and  live? 

10  For  they  verily  for-a  few  days  chastened  us 
after  their  own  pleasure;  but  he  for  our  profit,  that 
we  might  be  partakers  of  his  holiness. 

John,  twentieth  chapter: 

17  Jesus  said  unto  her.  Touch  me  not;  for  I  am 
not  yet  ascended  to  my  Father;  but  go  to  my 
brethren,  and  say  unto  them,  I  ascend  unto  my 
Father,  and  your  Father;  and  to  my  God  and  to 
your  God. 

Showing  that  the  spiritual  inteUigences 
in  the  eternal  world  had  their  agency,  some 
being  thrust  out  of  heaven  and  denied  the 
privilege  of  taking  bodies  because  they  kept 
not  their  first  estate.  Those  w^ho  kept  their 
first  or  spiritual  estate  were  permitted  to 
pass  through  a  mortal  probation — 

Rev.,  twelfth  chapter: 

4  And  his  tail  drew  the  third  part  of  the  stars  of 

heaven,  and  did  cast  them  to  the  earth. 
5 


66  THE    PRECEPTOR, 

7  And  there  was  war  in  heaven:  Michael  and  his 
angels  fought  against  the  dragon;  and  the  dragon 
fought  and  his  angels, 

8  And  prevailed  not;  neither  was  their  place 
found  any  more  in  heaven. 

9  And  the  great  dragon  was  cast  out,  that  old 
serpent,  called  the  Devil,  and  Satan,  which  deceiveth 
the  whole  world:  he  was  cast  out  into  the  earth 
and  his  angels  were  cast  out  with  him. 

Jiide: 

6  And  the  angels  which  kept  not  their  first  estate, 
but  left  their  own  habitation,  he  hath  reserved  in 
everlasting  chains  under  darkness  unto  the  judgment 
of  the  great  day. 

John^  ninth  chapter: 

1  And  as  Jesus  passed  by,  he  saw  a  man  which 
was  blind  from  his  birth. 

2  And  his  disciples  asked  him,  saying.  Master, 
who  did  sin,  this  man,  or  his  parents,  that  he  was 
born  blind? 

3  Jesus  answered.  Neither  hath  this  man  sinned, 
nor  his  parents:  but  that  the  works  of  God  should 
be  made  manifest  in  him. 

Jeremiah,  first  chapter: 

4  Then  the  word  of  the  Lord  came  unto  me 
saying, 

5  Before  I  formed  thee  in  the  belly  I  knew  thee; 
and  before  thou  camest  forth  out  of  the  womb  I  , 
sanctified  thee,  and  I  ordained  thee  a  prophet  unto 
the  nations. 


THE    PRECEPTOR.  G'] 

Second  Division, 

Showing  that  man  is  to  be  judged  accord, 
ing  to  his  works,  that  consequently  the 
theory  of  one  place  o£  happiness  and  one 
of  punishment  is  unscriptural  and  incon- 
sistent— 

Rev.,  twentieth  chapter: 

12  And  I  saw  the  d^ad,  small  and  great,  stand 
before  God;  and  the  books  were  opened:  and 
another  book  was  opened,  which  is  the  book  of 
life:  and  the  dead  were  judged  out  of  those  things 
which  were  written  in  the  books,  according  to  their 
works. 

13  And  the  sea  gave  up  the  dead  which  were  in 
it;  and  death  and  hell  delivered  up  the  dead  which 
were  in  them:  and  they  were  judged  every  man 
according  to  their  works. 

Matt.,  sixteenth  chapter: 

27  For  the  Son  of  man  shall  come  in  the  glory  of 
his  Father  with  his  angels;  and  then  he  shall  reward 
every  man  according  to  his  works. 

28  Verily  I  say  unto  you,  There  be  some  standing 
here,  which  shall  not  taste  of  death,  till  they  see  the 
Son  of  man  coming  in  his  kingdom. 

Showing  that  there  are  more  than  one 
Heaven  or  place  and  degree  of  eternal  bliss 
and  glory — 


68  THE    PRECEPTOR. 

John^  fourteenth  chapter: 

1  Let  not  your  heart  be  troubled:  ye  believe  in 
God,  believe  also  in  me. 

2  In  my  Father's  house  are  many  mansions:  if  it 
were  not  so,  I  would  have  told  you.  I  go  to  prepare 
a  place  for  you. 

3  And  if  I  go  and  prepare  a  place  for  you,  I  will 
come  again,  and  receive  you  unto  myself;  that  where 

1  am,  there  ye  may  be  also. 

/  Cor.,  fifteenth  chapter: 

40  There  are  also  celestial  bodies,  and  bodies 
terrestrial:  but  the  glory  of  the  celestial  is  one,  and 
the  glory  of  the  terrestrial  is  another. 

41  There  is  one  glory  of  the  sun,  and  another 
glory  of  the  moon,  and  another  glory  of  the 
stars;  for  one  star  differeth  from  another  star  in 
glory. 

42  So  also  is  the  resurrection  of  the  dead.     It  is 
sown  in  corruption,  it  is  raised  in  incorruption. 

2  Cor.,  tivelfth  chapter: 

1  It  is  not  expedient  for  me  doubtless  to  glory. 
I  will  come  to  visions  and  revelations  of  the 
Lord. 

2  I  knew  a  man  in  Christ  above  fourteen  years 
ago,  (whether  in  the  body,  I  cannot  tell;  or  whether 
out  of  the  body,  I  cannot  tell:  God  knoweth;)  such 
a  one  caught  up  to  the  third  heaven. 

3  And  I  knew  such  a  man,  (whether  in  the 
body,  or  out  of  the  body,  I  cannot  tell:  God 
knoweth;) 


THE   PRECEPTOR.  69 

The  fearful  fate  of  those  who  come 
to  a  knowledge  of  the  truth  as  it  is  in 
Christ  and  then  turn  entirely  away  from 
and  against  it — 

Hebrews,  tenth  chapter: 

26  For  if  we  sin  wilfully  after  that  we  have 
received  the  knowledge  of  the  truth,  there  remaineth 
no  more  sacrifice  for  sins, 

27  But  a  certain  fearful  looking  for  of  judgment 
and  fiery  indignation,  which  shall  devour  the 
adversaries. 

2  Peter,  second  chapter: 

20  For  if  after  they  have  escaped  the  pollutions 
of  the  world  through  the  knowledge  of  the  Lord 
and  Savior  Jesus  Christ,  they  are  again  entangled 
therein,  and  overcome,  the  latter  end  is  worse  with 
them  than  the  beginning. 

21  For  it  had  been  better  for  them  not  to  have 
known  the  way  of  righteousness,  than,  after  they 
have  known  it,  to  turn  from  the  holy  commandment 
delivered  unto  them. 

22  But  it  is  happened  unto  them  according  to  the 
true  proverb,  The  dog  is  turned  to  his  own  vomit 
again;  and.  The  sow  that  was  washed  to  her 
wallowing  in  the  mire. 

31  Wherefore  I  say  unto  you.  All  manner  of  sin 
and  blasphemy  shall  be  forgiven  unto  men:  but  the 
blasphemy  against  the  Holy  Ghost  shall  not  be 
forgiven  unto  men.      •» 

32  And  whosoever  speaketh  a  word  against  the 


70  THE    PRECEPTOR. 

Son  of  man,  it  shall  be  forgiven  him:  but  whosoever 
speaketh  against  the  Holy  Ghost,  it  shall  not  be 
forgiven  him,  neither  in  this  world,  neither  in  the 
world  to  come. 

Showing  that  those  who  attain  unto  the 
highest  glory  through  obedience  become 
like  God  the  Father  and  His  Son  Jesus 
Christ;  that  being  the  final  destiny  of  the 
righteous — 

Romans^  eighth  chapter: 

i6  The  Spirit  itself  beareth  witness  with  our 
spirit,  that  we  are  the  children  of  God; 

17  And  if  children,  then  heirs;  heirs  of  God, 
and  joint  heirs  with  Christ;  if  so  be  that  we 
suffer  with  him,  that  we  may  be  also  glorified 
together. 

29  For  whom  he  did  foreknow,  he  also  did 
predestinate  to  be  conformed  to  the  image  of  his 
Son,  that  he  might  be  the  firstborn  among  many 
brethren. 

30  Moreover,  whom  he  did  predestinate,  them 
he  also  called:  and  whom  he  called,  them  he  also 
justified:  and  whom  he  justified,  them  he  also  glori- 
fied. 

Matt.,  7iineteenth  chapter: 

28  And  Jesus  said  unto  them.  Verily  I  say  unto 
you,  That  ye  which  have  followed  me,  in  the 
regeneration  when  the  Son  of  man  shall  sit  in  the 
throne  of  his  glory,  ye  also  shall  sit  upon  twelve 
thrones,  judging  the  twelve  tribes  of  Israel. 


THE   PRECEPTOR.  71 

Rev.^  twenty -first  chapter: 

5  And  he  that  sat  upon  the  throne  said,  Behold,  I 
make  all  things  new.  And  he  said  unto  me,  Write: 
for  these  words  are  true  and  faithful. 

6  And  he  said  unto  me,  It  is  done.  I  am  Alpha 
and  Omega,  the  beginning  and  the  end.  I  will  give 
unto  him  that  is  athirst  of  the  fountain  of  the  water 
of  life  freely. 

7  He  that  overcometh  shall  inherit  all  things; 
and  I  will  be  his  God,  and  he  shall  be  my  son. 

/  John^  third  chapter: 

1  Behold,  what  manner  of  love  the  Father 
hath  bestowed  upon  us,  that  we  should  be  called 
the  sons  of  God:  therefore  the  world  knoweth  us 
not,  because  it  knew  him  not. 

2  Beloved,  now  are  we  the  sons  of  God,  and  it 
doth  not  yet  appear  what  we  shall  be:  but  we  know 
that,  when  he  shall  appear,  we  shall  be  like  him:  for 
we  shall  see  him  as  he  is. 

Galatians,  fourth  chapter: 

6  And  because  ye  are  sons,  God  hath  sent  forth 
the  Spirit  of  his  Son  into  your  hearts,  crying,  Abba, 
Father. 

7  Wherefore  thou  art  no  more  a  servant,  but  a 
son;  and  if  a  son,  then  an  heir  of  God  through 
Christ. '_ 

The  following  from  a  revelation,  given 
by   vision,  to   Joseph    Smith    and    Sidney 


72  THE    PRECEPTOR. 

Rigdon,  in  relation  to  the  future  condition 
of  the  huijian  family,  is  in  strict  harmony 
with  the  foregoing  scriptural  quotations  on 
the  subject. 

Section  76,  (beginning  on  page  265)  Book 
of  Doctrine  and  Covenants — 

31  Thus  saith  the  Lord,  concerning  all  those  who 
know  my  power,  and  have  been  made  partakers 
thereof,  and  suffered  themselves,  through  the  power 
of  the  devil,  to  be  overcome,  and  to  deny  the  truth 
and  defy  my  power — 

32  They  are  they  who  are  the  sons  of  perdition, 
of  whom  I  say  that  it  had  been  better  for  them 
never  to  have  been  born, 

33  For  they  are  vessels  of  wi^ath,  doomed  to 
suffer  the  wrath  of  God,  with  the  devil  and  his  angels 
in  eternity; 

34  Concerning  whom  I  have  said  there  is  no 
forgiveness  in  this  world  nor  in  the  world  to 
come. 

Speaking  of  those  who  shall  come  forth 
in  ''the  resurrection  of  the  just/'  it  is 
stated — 

51  I'hey  are  they  who  received  the  testimony  of 
Jesus,  and  believed  on  his  name  and  were  baptized 
after  the  manner  of  his  burial,  being  buried  in  the 
water  in  his  name,  and  this  according  to  the  com- 
mandment which  he  has  given, 

52  That    by    keeping    the   commandments   they 


THE   PRECEPTOR.  73 

might  be  washed  and  cleansed  from  their  sins 
and  receive  the  Holy  Spirit  by  the  laying  on  of  the 
hands  of  him  who  is  ordained  and  sealed  unto  this 
power. 

70  These  are  they  whose  bodies  are  celestial, 
whose  glory  is  that  of  the  sun,  even  the  glory  of 
God,  the  highest  of  all,  whose  glory  the  sun  of  the 
firmament  is  written  as  being  typical. 

71  And  again,  we  saw  the  the  terrestrial  world, 
and  behold  and  lo,  these  are  they  who  are  of  the 
terrestrial,  whose  glory  differs  from  that  of  the 
church  of  the  first  born,  who  have  received  the  ful- 
ness of  the  Father,  even  as  that  of  the  moon  differs 
from  the  sun  in  the  firmament. 

72  Behold,  these  are  they  who  died  without 
law. 

73  And  also  they  who  are  the  spirits  of  men  kept 
in  prison,  whom  the  Son  visited,  and  preached  the 
gospel  unto  them,  that  they  might  be  judged  accord- 
to  men  in  the  flesh, 

74  Who  received  not  the  testimony  of  Jesus  in 
the  flesh,  but  afterwards  received  it. 

75  These  are  they  who  are  honorable  men  oi 
the  earth,  who  were  blinded  by  the  craftiness  of 
men. 

76  These  are  they  who  receive  of  his  glory,  but 
not  of  his  fulness. 

77  These  are  they  who  receive  of  the  presence  of 
the  Son,  but  not  of  the  fulness  of  the  Father; 

78  Wherefore  their  bodies  are  terrestrial,  and  not 
bodies  celestial,  and  differ  in  glory  as  the  moon 
differs  from  the  sun. 

81  And  again,  we  saw  the  glory  of  the  telestial, 


74  THE    PRECEPTOR. 

which  glory  is  that  of  the  lesser,  even  as  the  glory 
of  the  stars  differs  from  that  of  the  glory  of  the 
moon  in  the  firrriament. 

85  Tnese  are  they  who  «hall  not  be  redeemed 
from  the  devil,  until  the  last  resurrection,  until  the 
Lord,  even  Christ  the  Lamb  shall  have  finished  his 
work. 


CHAPTER   VI. 

THE    BOOK    OF   MORMON. 
AN    INSPIRED    AND    AUTHENTIC    RECORD. 

First  Dlvisio7t. 

A  brief  outline  of  the  narrative  of  the 
book  and  its  bringing  forth  in  the  latter 
times — 

The  Book  of  Mormon  gives  a  brief  account  of  a 
prophet  named  Lehi,  of  the  tribe  of  Manasseh,  his 
family  and  a  few  others  leaving  Jerusalem,  by  com- 
mand of  God,  six  hundred  years  before  Christ. 
They  were  led  by  divine  power  to  America,  where 
they  settled  and  became  very  numerous. 

The  record  of  the  chief  events  in  the  history  of  the 
people  was  made  on  metallic  plates  and  handed 
down  from  generation  to  generation,  by  direction  of 
the  Almighty. 


THE   PRECEPTOR.  75 

The  people  were  divided  into  two  distinct  divisions, 
called  Nephites  and  Lamanites. 

The  former  in  migrating  to  the  more  northern  part 
of  the  land  met  with  a  colony  of  Jews,  who  left  Jeru- 
salem th3  same  year  the  /great  body  of  that  race 
were  led  into  Babylonish  captivity.  They  amalga- 
mated and  became  one  people  under  the  common 
head  of  Nephites. 

At  the  time  of  the  crucifixion  of  the  Savior  the 
people  on  this  continent  were  afflicted  with  great 
destruction,  because  of  wickedness,  after  which  the 
remainder  were  visited  by  Christ  who  established 
His  Church  among  them. 

After  this  there  was  about  three  hundred  years 
of  righteousness,  at  the  end  of  which  period 
followed  a  succession  of  bloody  wars,  resulting  in  the 
extermination  of  the  Nephites,  except  a  few  who 
had  joined  with  the  Lamanites,  who  became  dark 
and  degraded. 

The  present  aborigines  are  their  descendants. 

A  prophet  named  Mormon  made  an  abridgment 
of  the  records,  by  command  of  God,  and  included,  a 
brief  sketch  from  plates  found  by  his  people,  of  a 
race  called  Jaredites,  whose  founders  came  to 
America  at  the  time  of  the  confusion  of  tongues  at 
the  tower  of  Babel.  Tliis  people  had  become  extinct 
by  internecine  wars. 

During  a  great  portion  of  the  career  of  the 
ancient  people  of  whom  the  book  is.  a  history,  a 
high  state  of  civilization  prevailed  amongst  them,  evi- 
dences of  which  are  now  scattered  ov'er  this  con- 
tinent. 

The  Lord  promised  certain  prophets  who  foresaw 


76  THE   PRECEPTOR. 

the  darkness  and  degradation  into  which  their 
descendants  would  fall,  that  the  record  should  be 
hid  up  and  brought  forth  in  the  latter  days,  that  the 
remnants  of  their  people  might  be  brought  to  a 
knowledge  of  the  Savior  through  that  means. 

Moroni,  son  of  Mormon,  was  the  last  of  the  prophets 
to  whose  hands  the  plates  were  confided.  The  latest 
date  gived  by  him  is  A.  D.  420.  He  hid  the  plates 
in  the  hill  from  which  they  were  obtained  by  Joseph 
Smith. 

The  bringing  forth  of  the  Record — 

The  Prophet  Joseph  Smith  received,  from  the 
angel  of  the  Lord,  the  plates,  together  with  the 
sacred  instruments  with  which  to  translate  the 
characters,  September  22d,  1827. 

The  Prophet  copied  a  number  of  the  characters, 
which  were  very  finely  engraved  on  the  plates,  and, 
by  means  of  the  Urim  and  Thummim,  translated 
some  of  them. 

These  were  taken  by  Martin  Harris,  to  Professor 
Anthon,  of  New  York,  who  stated  that  the  translation 
was  correct.  On  being  shown  the  portion  of  the 
transcript  that  was  not  translated,  he  said  the 
characters  were  Egyptian,  Chaldaic,  Assyriac  and 
Arabic,  and  that  they  were  genuine  characters. 

The  professor  gave  Mr.  Harris  a  certificate  to  that 
effect,  but  on  learning  that  the  young  man  Joseph 
had  the  plates  revealed  to  him  by  an  angel,  he 
demanded  it  back  and  tore  it  up,  saying  there  was 
no  such  thing  now  as  ministering  of  angels. 

He  requested  that  the  plates  be  brought  to  him 
and  he  would  translate  them. 


THE   PRECEPTOR.  77 

Mr.  Harris  replied  that  a  portion  of  thetn  was 
sealed  and  he  was  forbidden  to  bring  them.  Pro- 
fessor Anthon  retorted,  'I  cannot  read  a  sealed 
book." 

Mr.  Harris  also  visited  Dr.  Mitchell,  whose  state- 
ment coincided  with  that  of  Professor  Anthon, 
regarding  the  genuineness  of  the  characters  and 
translation. 

Scripture  which  has  been  fulfilled  by  the 
foregoing  circumstances — 

Isaiah^  twenty -ninth  chapter: 

ir  And  the  vision  of  all  is  become  unto  you 
as  the  words  of  a  book  that  is  sealed,  which 
men  deliver  to  one  that  is  learned,  saying,  Read 
this,  I  pray  thee;  and  he  saith,  I  cannot;  for  it  is 
sealed: 

12  And  the  book  is  delivered  to  him  that  is  not 
learned,  saying,  Read  this,  I  pray  thee:  and  he  saith, 
I  am  not  learned. 

iT^  Wherefore  the  Lord  said.  Forasmuch  as  this 
people  draw  near  me  with  their  mouth,  and  with 
their  lips  do  honor  me,  but  have  removed  their  heart 
far  from  me,  and  their  fear  toward  me  is  taught  by 
the  precept  of  men: 

14  Therefore,  behold,  I  will  proceed  to  do  a 
marvelous  work  among  this  people,  even  a  marvel- 
ous work  and  a  wonder:  for  the  wisdom  of  their 
wise  men  shall  perish,  and  the  understanding  of  their 
prudent  men  shall  be  hid. 

A  stick  was  the   old   Jewish   term  for 


78  '  THE    PRECEPTOR. 

book,  or  parchment  writing  wound  upon  a 
roller.  The  stick  of  Judah  is  evidently 
the  Bible,  and  the  stick  of  Joseph  is  claimed 
by  the  Latter-day  Saints  to  refer  to  the 
Book  of  Mormon,  it  being  the  history  of  a 
branch  of  the  house  of  Joseph  who  was 
sold  into  Egypt.  The  Saints  claim  to 
be  mostly  descended  from  the  house  of 
Ephraim,  and  both  books  are  iised  by  them, 
and  are  one  in  the  hands  of  God.  Hence 
the  fulfilment  of  this  Scripture-— 

Ezekiel,  thirty- seventh  chapter: 

i6  Moreover,  thou  son  of  mm,  take  thee  one 
stick,  and  write  upon  it,  For  Judah,  and  for  the 
children  of  Israel  his  companions:  then  take  another 
stick,  and  write  upon  it.  For  Joseph,  the  stick  of 
Ephraim,  and  for  all  the  house  of  Israel  his  com- 
panions: 

17  And  join  them  one  to  another  into  one  stick; 
and  they  shall  become  one  in  thine  hand. 

18  And  when  the  children  of  thy  people  shall 
speak  unto  thee,  saying.  Wilt  thou  not  shew  us  what 
thou  meanest  by  these? 

19  Say  unto  them,  Thus  saith  the  Lord  God; 
Behold,  I  will  take  the  stick  of  Joseph,  which  is  in 
the  hand  of  Ephraim,  and  the  tribes  of  Israel  his 
fellows,  and  will  put  them  with  him,  even  with  the 
stick  of  Judah,  and  make  them  one  stick,  and  they 
shall  be  one  in  mine  hand. 


THE   PRECEPTOR.  79 

Second  Division. 

Showing  that  Christ  had  other  sheep 
besides  those  in  Palestine,  that  he  intended  to 
visit  them  and  establish  His  fold  (Church) 
amongst  them — 

John^  te7ith  chapter: 

14  I  am  the  good  shepherd,  and  know  my  sheep, 
and  am  known  of  mine. 

15  As  the  Father  knoweth  me,  even  so  know  I 
the  Father:  and  I  lay  down  my  life  for  the  sheep. 

16  And  other  sheep  I  have,  which  are  not  of  this 
fold:  them  also  I  must  bring,  and  they  shall  hear  my 
voice;  and  there  shall  be  one  fold,  and  one  shepherd. 

THE   RECORD   PROVES   PROPHETICALLY   ITS   OWN 
AUTHENTICITY. 

The  fulfilment  oE  the  foregoing  as  re- 
corded in  the  Book  of  Mormon — 

3  Nephi,  eleventh  chapter: 

1  And  now  it  came  to  pass  that  there  were  a  great 
multitude  gathered  together,  of  the  people  of  Nephi, 
round  about  the  temple  which  was  in  the  land 
Bountiful;  and  they  were  marveling  and  wondering 
one  with  another,  and  were  shewing  one  to  another 
the  great  and  marvelous  change  which  had  taken 
place; 

2  And  they  were  also  conversing  about  this  Jesus 
Christ,  of  whom  the  sign  had  been  given  concerning 
his  death. 


8o  THE   PRECEPTOR. 

8  And  it  came  to  pass  as  they  understood,  they 
cast  their  eyes  up  again  towards  heaven;  and  behold 
they  saw  a  man  descending  out  of  heaven;  and  he  was 
clothed  in  a  white  robe,  and  he  came  down  and 
stood  in  the  midst  of  them,  and  the  eyes  of  the 
whole  multitude  were  turned  upon  him,  and  they 
durst  not  open  their  mouths,  even  one  to  another, 
and  wist  not  what  it  meant,  for  they  thought  it  was 
an  angel  that  had  appeared  unto  them. 

9  And  it  came  to  pass  that  he  stretched  forth  his 
hand  and  spake  unto  the  people,  saying, 

10  Behold,  I  am  Jesus  Christ,  whom  the  prophets 
testified  shall  come  into  the  world; 

11  And  behold,  I  am  the  light  and  the  life  of  the 
world;  and  I  have  drunk  out  of  that  bitter  cup  which 
the  Father  hath  given  me,  and  have  glorified  the 
Father  in  taking  upon  me  the  sins  of  the  world,  in 
the  which  I  have  suffered  the  will  of  the  Father  in  all 
things  from  the  beginning. 

Showing  that  the  good  Shepherd  organ- 
ized His  ^'fold/'  as  He  did  in  Palestine,  with 
twelve  chosen  disciples  at  the  head,  and  the 
same  initiatory  principles — 

J  Nephiy  twelfth  chapter:  i 

I  And  it  came  to  pass  that  when  Jesus  had  spoken 
these  words  unto  Nephi,  and  to  those  who  had  been 
called,  (now  the  number  of  them  who  had  been 
called,  and  received  power  and  authority  to  baptize, 
were  twelve,)  and  behold  he  stretched  forth  his  hand 
unto  the   multitude,  and  cried  unto   them   saying. 


THE   PRECEPTOR.  8l 

Blessed  are  ye  if  ye  shall  give  heed  unto  the  words 
of  these  twelve  whom  I  have  chosen  from  among 
you  to  minister  unto  you,  and  to  be  your  servants; 
and  unto  them  I  have  given  power,  that  they  may 
baptize  you  with  water;  and  after  that  ye  are  bap- 
tized with  water,  behold  I  will  baptize  you  with  fire 
and  with  the  Holy  Ghost;  therefore  blessed  are  ye 
if  ye  shall  believe  in  me,  and  be  baptized,  after  that 
ye  have  seen  me  and  know  that  I  am. 

2  And  again,  more  blessed  are  they  who  shall 
believe  in  your  words  because  that  ye  shall  testify 
that  ye  have  seen  me,  and  that  ye  know  that  I  am. 
Yea,  blesFed  are  they  who  shall  believe  in  your 
words,  and  come  down  into  the  depths  of  humility 
and  be  baptized,  for  they  shall  be  visited  with  fire  and 
with  the  Holy  Ghost,  and  shall  receive  a  remission  of 
their  sins. 

The  divine  inspiration  of  the  book  is 
verified  by  the  fulfilment  of  its  predic- 
tions— 

2  Nephi,  ihirlieth  chapter  \^Book  of  Mormoii]: 

3  And  now,  I  would  prophesy  somewhat  mure 
concerning  the  Jews  and  the  Gentiles.  For  after  the 
book  of  which  I  have  spoken  shall  come  forth,  and 
be  written  unto  the  Gentiles,  and  sealed  up  again 
unto  the  Lord,  there  shall  be  many  which  shall 
believe  the  words  which  are  written;  and  they  shall 
carry  them  forth  unto  the  remnant  of  our  seed. 

4  And  then  shall  the  remnant  of  our  seed  know 
concerning  us,  how  that  we  came  out  from  Jerusalem, 
and  that  they  are  descendants  of  the  Jews. 

6 


82  THE    PRECEPTOR. 

5  And  the  gospel  of  Jesus  Christ  shall  be  declared 
among  them;  wherefore,  they  shall  be  restored 
unto  the  knowledge  of  their  fathers,  and  also  to  the 
knowledge  of  Jesus  Christ,  which  was  had  among 
their  fathers. 

6  And  then  shall  they  rejoice;  for  they  shall  know 
that  it  is  a  blessing  unto  them  from  the  hand  of  God; 
and  their  scales  of  darkness  shall  begin  to  fall  from 
their  eyes:  and  many  generations  shall  not  pass 
away  among  them,  save  they  shall  be  a  white  and 
delightsome  people. 

7  And  it  shall  come  to  pass  that  the  Jews  which 
are  scattered,  also  shall  begin  to  believe  in  Christ; 
and  they  shall  begin  to  gather  in  upon  the  face  of 
Mie  land;  and  as  many  as  shall  believe  in  Christ,  shall 
also  become  a  delightsome  people. 

8  And  it  shall  come  to  pass  that  the  Lord  God 
shall  commence  his  work,  among  all  nations,  kindreds, 
tongues,  and  people,  to  bring  about  the  restoration 
of  his  people  upon  the  earth. 

9  And  with  righteousness  shall  the  Lord  God 
judge  the  poor,  and  reprove  with  equity,  for  the  meek 
of  the  earth.  And  he  shall  smite  the  earth  with  the 
rod  of  his  mouth;  and  with  the  breath  of  his  lips  shall 
he  slay  the  wicked. 

The  Latter-day  Saints  have  fulfilled  the 
first  part  of  the  foregoing  quotation,  and 
the  student  can  sustain  that  in  relation  to  the 
Lamanites  receiving  the  Gospel  by  inquiry 
regarding  the  remarkable  work  done  among 
them  during  the  past  few  years.     Various 


THE   PRECEPTOR.  83 

societies  throughout  the  world  lately  organ- 
ized to  encourage  Jewish  colonization  of 
Palestine,  and  other  events  equally  im- 
portant, show  that  ihe  way  is  opening  for 
the  gathering  of  the  remnants  to  the  land 
of  their  fathers. 

The  following,  directed  by  Moroni  to  the 
Gentiles  of  this  generation,  is  being  remark- 
ably fulfilled.  The  student  has  but  to  refer 
to  current  events  of  a  startling  character  to 
make  this  point  perfectly  clear — 
Ether,  eighth  chapter  \_Book  of  Mormo7i\: 

22  And  whatsoever  nation  shall  uphold  such 
secret  combinations,  to  get  power  and  gain,  until 
they  shall  spread  over  the  nation,  behold,"  they  shall 
be  destroyed,  for  the  Lord  will  not  suffer  that  the 
blood  of  his  Saints,  which  shall  be  shed  by  them, 
shall  always  cry  unto  him  from  the  ground  for 
vengeance  upon  them,  and  yet  he  avenge  them 
not; 

23  Wherefore,  O  ye  Gentiles,  it  is  wisdom  in  God 
that  these  things  should  be  shewn  unto  you,  that 
thereby  ye  may  repent  of  your  sins,  and  suffer  not 
that  these  murderous  combinations  shall  get  above 
you,  which  are  built  up  to  get  power  and  gain,  and 
the  work,  yea,  even  the  work  of  destruction  come 
upon  you,  yea,  even  the  sword  of  the  justice  of 
the  eternal  God  shall  fall  upon  you,  to  your  over- 
throw and  destruction,  if  ye  shall  suffer  these  things 
to  be: 


84  THE   PRECEPTOR. 

24  Wherefore  the  Lord  commandeth  you,  when 
ye  shall  see  these  things  come  among  you,  that  ye 
shall  awake  to  a  sense  of  your  awful  situation, 
because  of  this  secret  combination  which  shall  be 
among  you,  or  wo  be  unto  it,  because  of  the  blood 
of  them  who  have  been  slain;  for  they  cry  from  the 
dust  for  vengeance  upon  it,  and  also  upon  those  who 
build  it  up. 

25  For  it  Cometh  to  pass  that  whoso  buildeth  it 
up,  seeketh  to  overthrow  the  freedom  of  all  lands, 
nations,  and  countries;  and  it  bringeth  to  pass  the 
destruction  of  all  people,  for  it  is  built  up  by  the 
devil,  who  is  the  father  of  all  lies;  even  that  same 
liar  who  beguiled  our  first  parents;  yea,  even  that  same 
liar  who  hath  caused  man  to  commit  murder  from 
the  beginning;  who  hath  hardened  the  hearts  of  men, 
that  they  have  murdered  the  prophets,  and  stoned 
them,  and  cast  them  out  from  the  beginning. 

26  Wherefore,  I,  Moroni,  am  commanded  to 
write  these  things,  that  evil  may  be  done  away,  and 
that  the  time  may  come  that  Satan  may  have  no 
power  upon  the  hearts  of  the  children  of  men,  but 
that  they  may  be  persuaded  to  do  good  continually, 
that  they  may  come  unto  the  fountain  of  all  righteous- 
ness and  be  saved. 

Third  Division. 

Showing  the  scriptural  method  of  estab- 
.lishiDg  the  truth  of  any  matter — 

Matt.^  eighteenth  chapter: 

16  But  if  he  will  not  hear  thee,  then  take  with 


THE   PRECEPTOR.  85 

thee  one  or  two  more,  that  in  the  mouth  of  two  or 
three  witnesses  every  word  may  be  established. 

Witnesses  whose  testimony  has  been 
given  to  the  world  and  never  retracted  or 
denied  by  them,  that  they  saw  the  angel  of 
the  Lord  and  the  metallic  plates,  on  which 
the  characters  from  which  the  Book  of  Mor 
mon  was  translated,  were  engraved,  and 
heard  the  voice  of  God  on  high  proclaim 
the  record  true — 

OHver  Cowdery,  David  Whitmer,  Martin  Harris. 

Witnesses  who  saw  and  handled  the 
plates  and  sacred  instruments — 

Christian  Whitmer,  Jacob  Whitmer,  Peter  Whit- 
mer, Jr.,  John  Whitmer,  Hiram  Page,  Joseph  Smith, 
Sen.,  Hyrum  Smith,  Samuel  H.  Smith. 

THE   BOOK   OF  MORMON   FAVORABLE   TO   PLURAL 
MARRIAGE  AS   COMMANDED   BY   GOD. 

It  is  claimed  by  some  of  the  opponents 
of  patriarchal  marriage  that  the  Book  o^ 
Mormon  unqualifiedly  forbids  that  system, 
on  account  of  the  following  passages — 

Jacob,  second  chapter  [^Book  of  Mormon']: 

23  But  the  word  of  God  burthens  me  because  of 
your  grosser  "crimes.  For  behold,  tlius  saith  the 
Lord,  This  people  begin  to  wax  in  iniquity;    they 


86  THE   PRECEPTOR. 

understand  not  the  scriptures;  for  they  seek  to 
excuse  themselves  in  committing  whoredoms,  because 
of  the  things  which  were  written  concerning  David, 
and  Solomon  his  son. 

24  Behold,  David  and  Solomon  truly  had  many 
wives  and  concubines,  which  thing  was  abominable 
before  me,  saith  the  Lord. 

27  Wherefore,  my  brethren,  hear  me,  and  hearken 
to  the  word  of  the  Lord;  for  there  shall  not  any  man 
among  you  have  save  it  be  one  wife;  and  concubines 
he  shall  have  none. 

Those  who  use  this  argument  ignore  the 
following  passage,  on  the  page  following 
that  from  which  the  previous  quotation  is 
taken.  It  shows  under  what  condition 
plural  marriage  must  exist — by  command- 
ment of  God — 

30  For  if  I  will,  saith  the  Lord  of  Hosts,  raise  up 
seed  unto  me,  I  will  command  my  people;  otherwise 
they  shall  hearken  unto  these  things. 

For  evidence  that  God  has  commanded 
the  adoption  of  plural  marriage  as  a  law 
of  the  Priesthood,  the  student  is  referred  to 
the  revelation  given  through  Joseph  Smith, 
on  the  eternity  of  the  marriage  covenant. 
Section  132,  beginning  on  page  463  of  the 
Book  of  Doctrine  and  Covenants. 

The  following  passages   show   that  the 


THE   PRECEPTOR.  87 

sins  of  David  and  Solomon  were  in  taking 
wives  outside  the  law  of  God,  and  not 
because  of  the  fact  of  practising  plural 
marriage.  It  was  in  the  abuse  of  the  prin- 
ciple that  they  erred  and  incurred  the  dis- 
pleasure of  the  Almighty — 

I  Kings y  eleventh  chapter: 

1  But  king  Solomon  loved  many  strange  women, 
together  with  the  daughter  of  Pharaoh,  women  of 
the  Moabites,  Ammonites,  Edomites,  Zidonians,  and 
Hittites; 

2  Of  the  nations  concerning  which  the  Lord  said 
unto  the  children  of  Israel,  Ye  shall  not  go  in  to 
them,  neither  shall  they  come  in  unto  you:  for 
surely  they  will  turn  away  your  heart  after  their  gods: 
Solomon  clave  unto  these  in  love. 

3  And  he  had  seven  hundred  wives,  princesses, 
and  three  hundred  concubines:  and  his  wives  turned 
away  his  heart. 

I  Kings,  fifteenth  chapter: 

5  Because  David  did  that  which  was  right  in  the 
eyes  of  the  Lord,  and  turned  not  aside  from  any 
thing  that  he  commanded  him  all  the  days  of  his 
life,  save  only  in  the  matter  of  Uriah  the  Hittite. 

SECULAR   EVIDENCES. 

The  popular  theory  of  the  origin  of  the 
Book  of  Mormon  is  that  it  was  manufac- 
tured from  manuscript  written  by  Solomon 


88  THE    PRECEPTOR. 

Spaulding.  That  fabrication  is  exploded  by 
the  following  which  appeared  in  Bibliotheca 
Sacra,]  also  the  New  York  Observer  of 
February  5th,  18S5,  and  Frank  Leslie's 
Illustrated  Sunday  Magazine  of  April,  1885 — 

Solo  mo  Jt  Spaulding  and  the  Book  of  Mormon. — 
The  theory  of  the  origin  of  the  Book  of  Mormon 
in  the  traditional  manuscript  of  Solomon  Spaulding 
will  probably  have  to  be  relinquished.  That  manu- 
script is  doubtless  now  in  the  possession  of  Mr.  L.  L. 
Rice,  of  Honolulu,  Hawaiian  Islands,  formerly  an 
anti-slavery  editor  in  Ohio,  and  for  many  years  State 
printer  of  Columbus.  During  a  recent  visit  to 
Honolulu,  I  suggested  to  Mr.  Rice  that  he  might 
have  valuable  anti-slavery  documents  in  his  posses- 
sion which  he  would  be  willing  to  contribute  to  the 
rich  collection  already  in  the  Oberlin  College  library. 
In  pursuance  of  this  suggestion  Mr.  Rice  began 
looking  over  his  old  pamphlets  and  papers,  and  at 
length  came  upon  an  old,  worn  and  faded  manuscript 
of  about  one  hundred  and  seventy-five  pages,  small 
quarto,  purporting  to  be  a  history  of  the  migration 
and  conflicts  of  the  ancient  Indian  tribes  which  occu- 
pied the  territory  now  belonging  to  the  Stales  of 
New  York,  Ohio  and  Kentucky.  On  the  last  page 
of  this  manuscript  is  a  certificate  and  signature  giv- 
ing the  namas  of  several  persons  known  to  the 
signer,  who  have  assured  him  that  to  their  personal 
knowledge,  the  manuscript  was  the  writing  of  Solo- 
mon Spaulding.  Mr.  Rice  has  no  recollection  how 
or  when  this  manuscript  came  into  his  possession. 
It   was   enveloped  in  a  coarse  piece  of  wrapping 


THE   PRECEPTOR.  »9 

paper,  and  endorsed  in  Mr.  Rice's  handwriting,  ''A 
manuscript  story." 

There  seems  no  reason  to  doubt  that  this  is  the 
long  lost  story.  Mr.  Rice,  myself  and  others  com- 
pared it  with  the  Book  of  Mormon  and  could  detect 
no  resemblance  between  the  two,  in  general  or 
detail.  There  seems  to  be  no  name  nor  incident 
common  to  the  two.  The  solemn  style  of  the  Book 
of  Mormon,  in  imitation  of  the  English  Scriptures, 
does  not  appear  in  the  manuscript.  The  only 
resemblance  is  in  the  fact  that  both  profess  to  set 
forth  the  history  of  the  lost  tribes.  Some  other 
explanation  of  the  origin  of  the  Book  of  Mormon 
must  be  found,  if  any  explanation  is  required. 

'    James  H.  Fairchild. 

Should  the  student  desire  to  acquaint 
himself  regarding  the  numerous  evidences 
sustaining  the  authenticity  of  the  Book  of 
Mormon  to  be  found  in  all  works  on  ancient 
America,  he  can  get  the  information  from 
Brother  Geo.  M.  Ottinger,  who  has  made  a 
specialty  of  that  department  of  the  subject. 
The  writer  has  learned  from  that  gentle- 
man that  he  proposes  giving  publicity  to 
the  results  of  his  researches  in  that  field  of 
knowledge  in  the  form  of  a  book.  It  is  to 
be  hoped  he  will  do  so  at  any  early  day,  as 
such  a  work  will  be-a  most  valuable  addition 
to  local  literature. 


90  THE   PRECEPTOR. 


CHAPTER  VII. 

PLURAL   MARRIAGE. 

First  Division. 

Showing  that  children  born  in  the 
polygamous  order  of  marriage  were 
acknowledged  and  blessed  of  the  Lord — 

Gen.^  sixteenth  chapter: 

5  And  Sarai  said  unto  Abram,  My  wrong  be  upon 
thee:  I  have  given  my  maid  into  thy  bosom,  and 
when  she  saw  that  she  had  conceived,  I  was  despised 
in  her  eyes:  the  Lord  judge  between  me  and  thee. 

6  But  Abram  said  unto  Sarai,  Behold  thy  maid  is 
in  thy  hand:  do  to  her  as  it  pleaseth  thee.  And  when 
Sarai  dealt  hardly  with  her,  she  fled  from  her  face. 

7  And  the  angel  of  the  Lord  found  her  by  a  foun- 
tain of  water  in  the  wilderness,  by  the  fountain  in 
the  way  to  Shur. 

8  And  he  said,  Hagar,  Sarai's  maid,  whence 
camest  thou?  and  whither  wilt  thou  go?  And  she 
said,  I  flee  from  the  face  of  my  mistress  Sarai. 

9  And  the  angel  of  the  Lord  said  unto  her.  Re- 
turn to  thy  mistress,  and  submit  thyself  under  her 
hands. 

10  And  the  angel  of  the  Lord  said  unto  her,  I 
will  multiply  thy  seed  exceedingly,  that  it  shall  not 
be  numbered  for  multitude.  * 

11  And  the  angel  of  the  Lord  said  unto  her, 


THE   PRECEPTOR.  9I 

Behold  thou  art  with  child,  and  shall  bear  a  son,  and 
shall  call  his  name  Ishmael;  because  the  Lord  hath 
heard  thy  affliction. 

Gen.^  twenty -first  chapter: 

10  Wherefore  she  said  unto  Abraham,  Cast  out 
this  bondwoman  and  her  son:  for  the  son  of  this 
bondwoman  shall  not  be  heir  with  my  son,  even  with 
Isaac. 

11  And  the  thing  was  very  grievous  in  Abraham's 
sight  because  of  his  son. 

12  And  God  said  unto  Abraham,  Let  it  not  be 
grievous  in  thy  sight  because  of  the  lad,  and  because 
of  thy  bondwoman;  in  all  that  Sarah  hath  said  unto 
thee,  hearken  ye  unto  her  voice;  for  in  Isaac  shall 
thy  seed  be  called. 

13  And  also  the  son  of  the  bondwoman  will  I 
make  a  nation,  because  he  is  thy  seed. 

14  And  Abraham  rose  up  early  in  the  morning, 
and  took  bread,  and  a  bottle  of  water,  and  gave  it 
unto  Hagar,  putting  it  on  her  shoulder,  and  the 
child,  and  sent  her  away:  and  she  departed,  and 
wandered  in  the  wilderness  of  Beer-sheba. 

15  And  the  water  was  spent  in  the  bottle,  and  she 
cast  the  child  under  one  of  the  shrubs. 

16  And  she  went,  and  sat  her  down  over  against 
him  a  good  way  off,  as  it  were  a  bowshot:  for  she 
said,  Let  me  not  see  the  death  of  the  child.  And 
she  sat  over  against  him,  and  lifted  up  her  voice,  and 
wept. 

17  And  God  heard  the  voice  of  the  lad;  and  the 
angel  of  God  called  to  Hagar  out  of  heaven,  and 
said  unto  her,  What  aileth  thee,  Hagar?  fear  not;  for 
God  hath  heard  the  voice  of  the  lad  where  he  is. 


92  THE   PRECEPTOR. 

i8  Arise,  lift  up  the  lad,  and  hold  him  in  thine 
hand;  for  I  will  make  him  a  great  nation. 

19  And  God  opened  her  eyes,  and  she  saw  a  well 
of  water;  and  she  went,  and  filled  the  bottle  with 
water,  and  gave  the  lad  drink. 

20  And  God  was  with  the  lad;  and  he  grew,  and 
dwelt  in  the  wilderness,  and  became  an  archer. 

Ge7t.^  thirty -third  chapter: 

1  And  Jacob  lifted  up  his  eyes,  and  looked,  and, 
behold,  Esau  came,  and  with  him  four  hundred  men. 
And  he  divided  the  children  unto  Leah,  and  unto 
Rachel,  and  unto  the  two  handmaids. 

2  And  he  put  the  handmaids  and  their  children 
foremost,  and  Leah  and  her  children  after,  and 
Rachel  and  Joseph  hindermost. 

3  And  he  passed  over  before  them,  and  bowed 
himself  to  the  ground  seven  times,  until  he  came 
near  to  his  brother. 

4  And  Esau  ran  to  meet  him,  and  embraced  him, 
and  fell  on  his  neck,  and  kissed  him:  and  they 
wept. 

,  5  And  he  lifted  up  his  eyes,  and  saw  the  women 
and  the  children,  and  said,  Who  are  those  with  thee? 
And  he  said.  The  children  which  God  hath  gra- 
ciously given  thy  servant. 

6  Then  the  handmaidens  came  near,  they  and 
their  children,  and  they  bowed  themselves. 

Gen,^  twenty-fifth  chapter: 

1  Then  again  Abraham  took  a  wife,  and  her  name 
was  Keturah. 

2  And  she  bare  him  Zimran,  and  Jokshan,  and 
Medam,  and  Midian,  and  Ishbak,  and  Shuah. 


THE   PRECEPTOR.  93 

Showing  that  Abraham's  course  was 
approved  of  God,  evidently  including  his 
entering  into  polygamous  marringe  rela- 
tions— 

Gcn.^  twenty -sixth  chapter: 

1  And  there  was  a  famine  in  the  land,  besides 
the  first  famine  that  was  in  the  days  of  Abraham. 
And  Isaac  went  unto  Abimelech  king  of  the  Philis- 
tines unto  Gerar. 

2  And  the  Lord  appeared  unto  him,  and  said,  Go 
not  down  into  Egypt;  dwell  in  the  land  which  I  shall 
tell  thee  of. 

3  Sojourn  in  this  land,  arid  I  will  be  with  thee, 
and  will  bless  thee:  for  unto  thee,  and  unto  thy  seed, 
I  will  give  all  these  countries,  and  I  will  perform  the 
oath  which  I  sware  unto  Abraham  thy  father; 

4  And  I  will  make  thy  seed  to  multiply  as  the 
stars  of  heaven,  and  will  give  unto  thy  seed  all  these 
countries;  and  in  thy  seed  shall  all  the  nations  of  the 
earth  be  blessed. 

5  Because  that  Abraham  obeyed  my  voice,  and 
kept  my  charge,  my  commandments,  my  statutes, 
and  my  laws. 

Showing  that  Moses  was  a  polygamist, 
and  that  the  Lord  was  sorely  displeased 
with  his  being  interfered  with  in  that  rela- 
tion— 

Exodtcs,  second  chapter: 

i6  Now  the  priest  of  Midian  had  seven  daughters 


94  THE   PRECEPTOR. 

and  they    came    and    drew  water,   and    filled   the 
troughs  to  water  their  father's  flock. 

17  And  the  shepherds  came  and  drove  them 
away:  but  Moses  stood  up  and  helped  them,  and 
watered  their  flock. 

18  And  when  they  came  to  Reuel  their  father,  he 
said.  How  is  it  that  ye  are  come  so  soon  to-day? 

19  And  they  said,  An  Egyptian  delivered  us  out 
of  the  hand  of  the  shepherds,  and  also  drew  water 
enough  for  us,  and  watered  the  flock. 

20  And  he  said  unto  his  daughters;  And  where 
is  he?  why  is  it  that  ye  have  left  the  man?  call  him, 
that  he  may  eat  bread. 

21  And  Moses  was  content  to  dwell  with  the 
man:  and  he  gave  Moses  Zipporah  his  daughter. 

Numbers^  twelfth  chapter: 

1  And  Miriam  and  Aaron  spoke  against  Moses 
because  of  the  Ethiopian  woman  whom  he  had  mar- 
ried: for  he  had  married  an  Ethiopian  woman. 

2  And  they  said.  Hath  the  Lord  indeed  spoken 
only  by  Moses?  hath  he  not  spoken  also  by  us?  And 
the  Lord  heard  it. 

3  (Now  the  man  Moses  was  very  meek,  above  all 
the  men  which  were  upon  the  face  of  the  earth.) 

4  And  the  Lord  spake  suddenly  unto  Moses,  and 
unto  Aaron,  and  unto  Miriam,  Come  out  ye  three 

"  unto  the  tabernacle  of  the  congregation.    And  they 
three  came  out. 

5  And  the  Lord  came  down  in  the  pillar  of  the 
cloud,  and  stood  in  the  door  of  the  tabernacle, 
and  called  Aaron  and  Miriam:  and  they  both  came 
forth. 


THE    PRECEPTOR.  95 

6  And  he  said,  Hear  now  my  words:  If  there  be 
a  prophet  among  yon,  I  the  Lord  will  make  myself 
known  unto  him  in  a  vision,  and  will  speak  unto  him 
in  a  dream. 

7  My  servant  Moses  is  not  so,  who  is  faithful  in  all 
mine  house. 

8  With  him  will  I  speak  mouth  to  mouth,  even 
apparently,  and  not  in  dark  speeches;  and  the  simili- 
tude of  the  Lord  shall  he  behold;  wherefore  then 
were  ye  not  afraid  to  speak  against  my  servant 
Moses? 

9  And  the  anger  of  the  Lord  was  kindled  against 
them;  and  he  departed. 

10  And  the  cloud  departed  irom  off  the  taber- 
nacle; and,  behold,  Miriam  became  leprous,  white 
as  snow:  and  Aaron  looked  upon  Miriam,  and  be- 
hold, she  was  leprous. 

11  And  Aaron  said  unto  Moses,  Alas,  my  lord,  I 
beseech  thee,  lay  not  the  sin  upon  us,  wherein 
we  have  done  foolishly,  and  wherein  we  have 
sinned. 

12  Let  her  not  be  as  one  dead,  of  whom  the  flesh 
is  half  consumed  when  he  cometh  out  of  his  mother's 
womb. 

13  And  Moses  cried  unto  the  Lord,  saying.  Heal 
her  now,  O  God  I  beseech  thee. 

Second  Division. 

The  following  passage  is  sometimes  used 
against  polygamy,  but  it  would  be  as  sen- 
sible to  use  it  to  prove  that  a  man  should 
have  but  one  horse — 


96  THE    PRECEPTOR. 

Dent.^  seventeenth  chapter: 

14  When  thou  art  come  unto  t«he  land  which  the 
Lord  thy  God  giveth  thee,  and  shalt  possess  it,  and 
shalt  dwell  therein,  and  shalt  say,  I  will  set  a 
king  over  me,  like  as  all  the  nations  that  are  about 
me; 

15  Thou  shalt  in  any  wise  set  him  king  over  thee, 
whom  the  Lord  thy  God  shall  choose:  one  from 
among  thy  brethren  shalt  thou  set  king  over  thee: 
thou  mayest  not  set  a  stranger  over  thee,  which  is 
not  thy  brother. 

16  But  he  shall  not  multiply  horses  to  himself, 
nor  cause  the  people  to  return  to  Egypt,  to  the  end 
that  he  should  multiply  horses:  forasmuch  as  the 
Lord  hath  said  unto  you,  Ye  shall  henceforth  return 
no  more  that  way. 

17  Neither  shall  he  multiply  wives  to  himself,  that 
his  heart  turn  not  away;  neither  shall  he  greatly 
multiply  to  himself  silver  and  gold. 

This  shows  a  plain  recognition,  by  the 
law  of  the  Lord,  of  polygamy,  by  providing 
for  possible  conditions  that  might  arise 
under  it — 

Deut.,  twenty-first  chapter: 

15  If  a  man  have  two  wives,  one  beloved,  and 
another  hated,  and  they  have  borne  him  children, 
both  the  loved  and  the  hated;  and  if  the  firstborn 
son  be  hers  that  was  hated; 

16  Then  it  shall  be,  when  he  maketh  his  sons  to 
inherit  that  which  he  hath,  that  he  may  not  make  the 


THE    PRECEPTOR.  97 

son  of  the  beloved  firstborn  before  the  son  of  the  ' 
hated,  which  is  indeed  the  firstborn: 

17  But  he  shall  acknowledge  the  son  of  the  hated 
for  the  firstborn,  by  giving  him  .a  double  portion  of 
all  that  he  hath:  for  he  is  the  beginning  of  his 
strength;  the  right  of  the  firstborn  is  his. 

This  clause  of  the  law  rendered  polyg- 
amy, under  some  circumstances,  compul- 
sory, there  being  no  provision  for  the 
exemption  from  its  requirements  of  a  man 
already  married — 

Deut.^  hve7ity 'fifth  chapter: 

5  If  brethren  dwell  together,  and  one  of  them 
die,  and  have  no  child,  the  wife  of  the  dead  shall 
not  marry  without  unto  a  stranger:  her  husband's 
brother  shall  go  in  unto  her,  and  take  her  to  him  to 
wife,  and  perform  the  duty  of  a  husband's  brother 
unto  her. 

6  And  it  shall  be,  that  the  firstborn  which  she 
beareth  shall  succeed  in  the  name  of  his  brother 
which  is  dead,  that  his  name  be  not  put  out  of 
Israel. 

Showing  how  God  heard  and  honored 
the  prayer  of  a  plurjl  wife — 

/  Samuel,  first  chapter: 

I  Now  there  was  a  certain  man  of  Ramathaim- 

zophim,  of  mount  Ephraim,  and  his  name  was  Elka- 

7 


98  THE    PRECEPTOR. 

nah,  the  son  of  Jeroham,  the  son  of  Elihu,  the  son  of 
Tohu,  the  son  of  Zuph,  an  Ephrathite. 

2  And  he  had  two  wives;  the  name  of  the  one 
was  Hannah,  and  the  name  of  the  other  Peninnah: 
and  Peninnah  had  children,  but  Hannah  had  no 
children. 

II  And  she  vowed  a  vow,  and  said,  O  Lord  of 
hosts,  if  thou  wilt  indeed  look  on  the  affliction  of 
thine  handmaid,  and  remember  me,  and  not  forget 
thine  handmaid,  but  wilt  give  unto  thy  handmaid  a 
man  child,  then  I  will  give  him  unto  the  Lord  all  the 
days  of  his  life,  and  there  shall  no  razor  come  upon 
his  head. 

20  Wherefore  it  came  to  pass,  when  the  time 
was  come  about  after  Hannah  had  conceived,  that 
she  bare  a  son,  and  called  his  name  Samuel,  say- 
ing, Because  I  have  asked  him  of  the  Lord. 

Third  Division. 

David,  a  polygamist,  in  favor  and  com- 
munion with  God — 

/  Samuel^  thirtieth  chapter: 

5  And  David's  two  wives  were  taken  captives, 
Ahinoam  the  Jezreelitess,  and  Abigail  the  wife  01 
Nabal  the  Carmelite. 

6  And  David  was  greatly  distressed;  for  the 
people  spake  of  stoning  him,  because  the  soul  of  all 
the  people  was  grieved,  every  man  for  his  sons  and 
for  his  daughters:  but  David  encouraged  himself  in 
the  Lord  his  God. 

7  And  David  said  to  Ablathar  the  priest,  Ahime- 


THE   PRECEPTOR.  99 

lech's  son,  I  pray  thee,  bring  me  hither  the  ephod. 
And  Abiathar  brought  thither  the  ephod  to  David. 
8  And  David  inquired  at  the  Lord,  saying,  Shail 

1  pursue  after  this  troop?  shall  I  overtake  them? 
And  he  answered  him.  Pursue:  for  thou  shalt  surely 
overtake  them,  and  without  fail  recover  all. 

Showing  in   what   manner   David   and 
Solomon  sinned,  etc. — 

2  Samuel^  twelfth  chapter: 

7  And  Nathan  said  to  David,  Thou  art  the  man. 
Thus  saith  the  Lord  God,  of  Israel,  I  anointed  thee 
king  over  Israel,  and  I  delivered  thee  out  of  the  hand 
of  Saul; 

8  And  I  give  thee  thy  master's  house,  and  thy 
master's  wives  into  thy  bosom,  and  gave  thee  the 
house  of  Israel  and  of  Judah;  and  if  that  had  been 
too  little,  I  would  moreover  have  given  unto  thee 
such  and  such  things. 

9  Wherefore  hast  thou  despised  the  command- 
ment of  the  Lord,  to  do  evil  in  his  sight?  thou  hast 
killed  Uriah  the  Hittite  with  the  sword,  and  hast 
taken  his  wife  to  be  thy  wife,  and  hast  slain  him  with 
the  sword  of  the  children  of  Ammon. 

10  Now  therefore  the  sword  shall  never  depart 
from  thine  house;  because  thou  hast  despised  me 
and  hast  taken  the  wife  of  Uriah  the  Hittite  to  be 
thy  wife. 

/  Kings,  eleventh  chapter: 

I  But  king  Solomon  loved  many  strange  women, 
together  with  the  daughter  of  Pharaoh,  women  of 


lOO  THE   PRECEPTOR. 

the  Moabites,  Ammonites,  Edomites,  Zidonians,  and 
Hittites; 

2  Of  the  nations  concerning  which  the  Lord  said 
unto  the  children  of  Israel,  Ye  shall  not  go  in  to 
them,  neither  shall  they  come  in  unto  you:  for  surely 
they  will  turn  away  your  heart  after  their  gods; 
Solomon  clave  unto  these  in  love. 

3  And  he  had  seven  hundred  wives,  princesses, 
and  three  hundred  concubines:  and  his  wives  turned 
away  his  heart. 

/  Kings,  fifteenth  chapter: 

5  Because  David  did  that  which  was  right  in  the 
eyes  of  the  Lord,  and  turned  not  aside  from  any 
thing  that  he  commanded  him  all  the  days  of  his  life, 
save  only  in  the  matter  of  Uriah  the  Hittite. 

2  Chron.,  thirteenth  chapter: 

i6  And  the  children  of  Israel  fled  before  Judah: 
and  God  delivered  them  into  their  hand. 

17  And  Abijah  and  his  people  slew  them  with  a 
great  slaughter:  so  there  fell  down  slain  of  Israel 
live  hundred  thousand  chosen  men. 

18  Thus  the  children  of  Israel  were  brought 
under  at  that  time,  and  the  children"  of  Judah  pre- 
vailed, because  they  relied  upon  the  Lord  God  of 
their  fathers. 

19  And  Abijah  pursued  after  Jeroboam,  and  took 
cities  from  him,  Beth-el  with  the  towns  thereof,  and 
Jeshanah  with  the  towns  thereof,  and  Ephraim  with 
the  towns  thereof. 

20  Neither  did  Jeroboam  recover  strength  again 
in  the  days  of  Abijah:  and  the  Lord  struck  him,  and 
he  died. 


THE   PRECEPTOR.  lOI 

21  But  Abijah  waxed  mighty,  and  married  four- 
teen wives,  and  begat  twenty  and  two  sons,  and 
sixteen  daughters. 

2  Chron.^  twenty -fourth  chapter:  ^ 

1  Joash  was  seven  years  old  when  he  began  to 
reign,  and  he  reigned  forty  years  in  Jerusalem.  His 
mother's  name  also  was  Zibiah  of  Beersheba. 

2  And  Joash  did  that  which  was  right  in  the 
sight  of  the  Lord  all  the  days  of  Jehoiada  the  priest. 

3  And  Jehoiada  took  for  him  two  wives;  and  he 
begat  sons  and  daughters. 

Something  yet  to  he  fulfilled — 

Isaiah^  fourth  chapter: 

I  And  in  that  day  seven  women  shall  take  hold 
of  one  man,  saying.  We  will  eat  our  own  bread,  and 
wear  our  own  apparel;  only  let  us  be  called  by  thy 
name,  to  take  away  our  reproach. 

Some  people  confound  polygamy  with 
adultery,  yet  the  Bible  shows  the  former 
was  honored  and  blessed  while  the  latter 
was  punished  with  death — 

Deut.,  twenty -second  chapter: 

22  If  a  man  be  found  lying  with  a  woman  mar- 
ried to  a  husband,  they  shall  both  of  them  die,  both 
the  man  that  lay  with  the  woman,  and  the  woman: 
so  shalt  thou  put  away  evil  from  Israel. 


T02  THE    PRECEPTOR. 

23  If  a  damsel  that  is  a  virgin  be  betrothed  unto 
a  husband,  and  a  man  find  her  in  the  city,  and  lie 
with  her; 

24  Then  ye  shall  bring  them  both  out  unto  the 
gate  of  that  city,  and  ye  shall  stone  them  with  stones 
that  they  die;  the  damsel,  because  she  cried  not> 
being  in  the  city;  and  the  man  because  he  hath 
humbled  his  neighbor's  wife:  so  thou  shalt  put  away 
evil  from  among  you. 

Dent.,  tzueniy -third  chapter: 

2  A  bastard  shall  not  enter  into  the  congregation 
of  the  Lord:  even  to  his  tenth  generation  shall  he 
not  enter  into  the  congregation  of  the  Lord. 

Fourth  Division. 

The  Savior  recognized  the  law  of  God  as 
set  forth  in  the  Bible — 

Matt.,  fifth  chapter: 

17  Think  not  that  I  am  come  to  destroy  the  law, 
or  the  prophets:  I  am  not  come  to  destroy,  but  to 
fulfil. 

18  For  verily  I  say  unto  you.  Till  heaven  and 
earth  pass,  one  jot  or  one  tittle  shall  in  no  wise  pass 
from  the  law  till  all  be  fulfilled. 

Jesus  denounces  a  species  of  polygamy 
largely  existing  in  the  world — the  put- 
ling  away  of  one  wife  in  order  to  take 
another — 


THE    PRECEPTOR.  I03 

Matt.y  nmeteenth  chapter: 

9  And  I  say  unto  you,  Whosoever  shall  put 
away  his  wife,  except  it  be  for  fornication,  and  shall 
marry  another,  committeth  adultery :  and  whoso 
marrieth  her  which  is  put  away  doth  commit 
adultery. 

Mark,  tenth  chapter: 

II  And  he  saith  unto  them.  Whosoever  shall  put 
away  his  wife,  and  marry  another,  committeth  adul- 
tery against  her. 


Showing  that  every  woman  is  entitled  to 
a  husband — 

/  Cor.,  second  chapter: 

II  Nevertheless  neither  is  the  man  without  the 
woman,  neither  the  woman  without  the  man,  in  the 
Lord. 

The  following  passages  are  sometimes 
used  in  opposition  to  polygamy,  but  even 
if  it  be  granted  that  these  officers  should 
have  but  one  wife,  this  would  imply  the 
existence  of  polygamy  at  that  time,  and 
that  others  were  not  placed  under  that 
restriction.  It  shows,  however,  they  were 
required  to  be  married  men,  and  the  inser- 
tion of  at  least  is  equally  as  admissible  as 
but — 


I04  THE   PRECEPTOR. 

I  Tim.,  third  chapter: 

1  This  is  a  true  saying,  If  a  man  desire  the  office 
of  a  bishop,  he  desireth  a  good  work. 

2  A  bishop  then  must  be  blameless,  the  husband 
of  one  wife,  vigilant,  sober,  of  good  behavior,  given 
to  hospitality,  apt  to  teach; 

12  Let  the  deacons  be  the  husbands  of  one  wife, 
ruling  their  children  and  their  own  houses  well. 

The  progeny  of  a  polj^gamist  are  to  be 
lionored — 

Rev.,  twenty  first  chapter: 

12  And  had  a  wall  great  and  high,  and  had 
twelve  gates,  and  at  the  gates  twelve  angels,  and 
names  written  thereon,  which  are  the  names  of  the 
twelve  tribes  of  the  children  of  Israel. 

The  following  is  fulfilled  in  the  compul- 
sory celibacy  of  the  Catholic  clergy  and  not 
improbably  in  the  attempted  suppression  of 
polygamy— 

/  Tim.,  fourth  chapter: 

1  Now  the  Spirit  speaketh  expressly,  that,  in  the 
latter  times  some  shall  depart  from  the  faith,  giving 
heed  to  seducing  spirits,  and  doctrines  of  devils; 

2  Speaking  lies  in  hypocrisy:  having  their  con- 
science seared  with  a  hot  iron; 

3  Forbidding  to  marry,  and  commanding  to  ab- 
stain from  meats,  which  God  hath  created  to  be 
received  with  thanksgiving  of  them  which  believe 
and  know  the  truth. 


THE   PRECEPTOR.  I05 

As  to  what  some  of  Abraham's   works 
were,  the  record  shows — 

John,  eighth  chapter: 

39  They  answered  and  said  unto  him,  Abraham 
is  our  father.  Jesus  saith  unto  them,  If  ye  were 
Abraham's  children,  ye  would  do  the  works  of  Abra- 
ham. 


CHAPTER  VIII. 

HINTS    ON    PREACHING. 

The  effect  of  preaching,  especially  that  of 
inexperienced  Elders,  is  frequently  marred 
by  defects  of  delivery  which  could,  in  most 
instances,  be  obviated  by  thought  and  atten- 
tion. It  is  always  easier  to  get  rid  of  a 
defect  in  the  earlier  stages  of  experience, 
than  when  it  becomes  more  or  less  a  con- 
firmed habit. 

I  submit  the  following  hints,  in  the  hope 
that  they  may  prove  of  some  benefit: 

1.  Do  not  shut  your  eyes,  nor  look  at 
the  ceiling.  In  other  words,  do  not  look 
away  from,  but  squarely  at  your  audience. 
Consider  your  congregation  an  individual- 


I06  THE    PRFXEPTOR. 

ism  that  you  wish  to  bring  to  your  way  of 
thinking. 

2.  If  you  are  predisposed  to  be  aggres- 
sive, cultivate  a  persuasive  manner.  The 
former  style  often  brings  needless  opposi- 
tion, and  while  it  may  convince  the  intel- 
lect of  the  listener,  seldom,  if  ever,  wins  the 
heart. 

3.  Without  paying  too  much  attention 
to  gesture  and  elocution,  it  is  well  to  suit 
the  action  to  the  word  and  the  word  to 
the  action,  and  throw  special  force  into 
those  phrases  containing  the  leading  points 
you  wish  to  convey. 

4.  Never  imitate  the  style  and  manner 
of  another  speaker,  however  excellent  may 
by  be  the  model.  Be  natural  and  adhere 
to  your  own  style,  because  it  is  natural. 
No  other  is  adapted  to  you,  any  more  than 
another  man's  nose  would  be  adapted  to 
your  style  of  face. 

5.  Pay  attention  to  accentuation.  Pro- 
nounce every  word  clearly  and  distinctly 
before  beginning  to  utter  another.  Each 
word  should  be  a  well  defined  entity,  not 
merged  into  another.  What  might  be 
termed  the  confluent  type  of  public  speak- 


THE   PRECEPTOR.  I07 

ing — the  words  running  into  one  another 
in  a  sort  of  mass — is  one  to  be  strictly 
avoided. 

6.  In  beginning  to  address  an  audience, 
assume  an  easy  attitude  and  avoid  hurry, 
which  leads  to  confusion  and  failure. 
Rapid  utterance  is  a  common  fault  of  young 
speakers,  as  with  young  swimmers — a  few 
quick,  excited  strokes,  and  down  they  go. 

7.  The  first  consideration  in  the  suc- 
cessful preaching  of  the  Gospel  is  to  obtain, 
by  a  godly  life  and'  through  prayer  and 
faith,  the  Spirit  of  the  Lord,  without  which 
no  man  will  possess  power  for  good. 

8.  It  is  of  great  importance  to  have 
the  mind  stored  with  the  principles  of 
truth,  that  you  may  have  something  to  say. 
Those  who  imagine  the  Spirit  will  do  every- 
thing for  them  will  be  disappointed.  The 
chief  office  of  the  Spirit  is  to  aid  the  Elder 
in  his  search  for  knowledge,  bring  what  he 
has  learned  to  his  memory,  when  occasion 
requires,  and  give  him  freedom  and  facility 
of  utterance.  The  Lord  does  not  place  a 
premium  upon  indolence.  You  cannot  draw 
water  out  of  a  dry  well.  Neither  will  intel- 
ligence and  truth  be  brought  forth  from  an 


Io8  THE    PRECEPTOR. 

empty  mind.  Study  and  reflect;  fill  your 
mind  with  knowledge.  The  Spirit  will  do 
the  rest. 

9.  Be  in  earnest.  Feel  the  importance 
of  the  message  you  bear.  Show  your 
earnestness  in  tlie  vigor  of  your  speech.  Do 
not  mumble  and  mutter,  but  speak  right 
out,  always  sufficiently  loud  for  all  your 
audience  to  hear  you  distinctly.  You  will 
never  convince  others  of  the  correctness  of 
any  matter  regarding  which  you  appear,  by 
your  manner  or  otherwise,  to  be  in  some 
doubt  yourself. 

10.  Never  speak  upon  subjects  you  do 
not  clearly  understand.  You  can  never 
make  plain  to  others  what  is  not  clear  to 
yourself.     Let  mysteries  alone. 

11.  Do  not  endeavor  to  be  a  florid 
speaker.  Your  chief  aim  should  be  clear- 
ness and  simplicity,  the  object  being  to 
convey  to  others  your  own  sincere  convic- 
tions. Use  the  simplest  words  that  w^ill 
correctly  define  your  meaning.  There  may 
be  persons  in  your  congregation  who  would 
not  understand  the  more  unusual  words; 
therefore,  when  simple  language  is  used,  it 
will  always  be  comprehended  by  the  greatest 


THE    PRECEPTOR.  I09 

possible  number.     Besides,  there  is  beauty 
in  simplicity. 

12.  Many  men  with  good  natural 
abilities  for  public  speaking  fail  from  being 
unable  to  control  their  feelings  while  before 
an  audience.  School  yourself  to  be  collected, 
and  never  let  your  language  get  ahead  of 
your  ideas.  In  other  words,  do  not  force 
your  ideas  to  conform  to  your  language; 
your  language  must  conform  to  your  ideas. 
Always  speak  to  an  idea,  thought  or  truth 
as  it  may  be  brought  to  your  mind  by  the 
Spirit.  Give  the  Spirit  time  to  suggest,  and 
utter  the  thoughts  as  they  present  them- 
selves. Do  not  be  in  haste  to  sit  down 
until  you  are  certain  the  Spirit  will  not 
come  to  your  aid. 

13.  Do  not  speak  for  the  purpose  of 
gaining  the  applause  of  men.  If  you  do 
you  will  not  obtain  much  aid  from  the 
Spirit  of  the  Lord.  Let  your  aim  be  to 
please  God,  and  take  your  chance  as  to  your 
efforts  pleasing  men;  at  the  same  time 
always  avoid  being  unnecessarily  offensive 
to  your  fellow  creatures. 

14.  When  you  succeed  in  preaching 
with  freedom,  by  the  aid  of  the  Spirit  of 


no  THE   PRECEPTOR. 

Truth,  do  not  afterwards  feed  your  vanity 
in  fishing  for  compliments  by  asking  people 
how  they  liked  your  discourse.  Cultivate  a 
spirit  of  humility  and  give  God  the  glory. 
If  you  do  not  you  will  meet  with  disap- 
pointment, for  not  only  the  Lord,  but  clear- 
sighted men  and  women  will  observe  your 
weakness. 

15.  Avoid  the  too  common  habit  of 
finishing  and  beginning  several  times  over 
during  your  discourse.  No  one  who  does 
this  can  retain  the  full  sympathy  and 
patience  of  an  audience.  When  a  congrega- 
tion has  obtained  an  impression  that  a 
speaker  is  about  to  wind  up  his  remarks, 
and  he  starts  off  anew,  the  effect  is  generally 
unfavorable. 

Besides  the  hints  given  ^  above,  I  may 
state  my  belief  that  many  men  of  good 
ability,  and  who  in  many  respects  eujoy  the 
spirit  of  their  callings,  fail  in  clearly 
expressing  their  views  publicly  from  a  defi- 
ciency in  what  might  be  termed  the  con- 
structive faculty.  I  am  satisfied  that  this 
can,  however,  be  cultivated  by  a  little  atten- 
tion and  the  aid  of  the  Good  Spirit. 

A   man   may   have   a  large  amount  of 


THE   PRECEPTOR. 


building  materials  accumulated,  but  if  they 
be  merely  thrown  together  in  a  sort  of 
jumbled  mass,  without  the  application  of  the 
principles  of  construction,  they  will  be  an 
unsightly  heap,  entirely  devoid  of  beauty, 
because  without  proper  form.  A  skilful 
use  of  the  laws  of  architecture  and  building 
would,  however,  from  the  same  substances, 
produce  a  handsome  structure. 

So  it  is  with  a  man  whose  mind  is  stored 
with  the  principles, of  truth.  He  may  be 
unable  to  present,  in  acceptable  shape,  the 
intelligence  of  which  he  is  possessed.  On 
the  other  hand,  one  whose  store  of  informa- 
tion is  of  no  greater  extent  maybe  able, 
especially  if  endowed  with  the  spirit  of 
the  Gospel-  to  captivate  and  convince  his 
auditors. 

Many  men  possess  the  ability  to  preach 
the  Gospel  clearly  and  powerfully,  and  are 
not  aware  of  it,  because  they  have  not 
struck  that  element  of  success,  and  have 
been  floundering  in  consequence. 

A  case  in  point  comes  to  my  mind.  A 
young  man  of  good  ability,  while  on  a  mis- 
sion a  few  years  ago,  got  the  idea  that  he 
could   not  preach,   because   he   had   made 


THE   PRECEPTOR. 


several  failures.  One  evening,  after  having 
spoken  in  a  public  meeting  and  occupied 
the  time  in  desperately  catching  at  ideas 
^^on  the  wing/'  grasping  and  groping  after 
them  like  a  drowning  man  clutching  at 
straws,  he  was  downcast,  and  informed  a 
friend  that  he  felt  as  if  he  would  give 
preaching  up  for  a  bad  job.  His  friend 
reasoned  to  show  him  that  he  certainly  could, 
by  the  blessing  of  God,  preach  the  Gospel, 
especially  as  that  was  a  portion  of  his 
calling.  He  asked  him  if  he  knew  Joseph 
Smith  to  be  a  Prophet?  Of  course  he 
answ^ered  yes. 

He  next  inquired  if  he  had  any  reasons 
and  evidences  to  offer  for  making  that  claim. 
After  reflecting  a  few  moments,  he  said  he 
had  a  good  many. 

He  then  asked  him  successively  a  num- 
ber of  other  questions,  and  whether  he 
could  adduce  reasons  to  sustain  the  points, 
he  giving  to  each  an  affirmative  answer 
such  as — 

^^Do  you  understand  that  the  sects  called 
Christendom  are  a  departure  from  the  true 
order  of  the  Gospel?" 

"Do    you    know    what    the    ordinances 


THE    PRECEPTOR.  113 

of  the  Gospel  are,  and  for  what  admin- 
istered?" 

''Do  you  know  the  organization  of  the 
true  Church?" 

''Do  you  understand  that  the  Gospel  has 
been  restored  in  power,  purity  and  com- 
pleteness in  this  age?" 

These  and  hundreds  of  other  positions 
can  be  sustained  by  any  well  informed 
Elder,  and  he  was  advised,  next  time  he 
addressed  a  congregation,  to  take  up  the 
point  first  suggested  to  his  mind  by  the 
Spirit,  with  the  scriptural  evidence  and  sound 
argument  at  his  command,  and  when  that 
was  disposed  of  to  take  up  the  next  point 
presented,  and  so  on  until  the  Spirit  said 
stop. 

Next  time  the  Elder  spoke  he  delivered 
a  clear,  pointed  and  convincing  discourse 
on  the  first  principles  of  the  Gospel,  the 
apostate  condition  of  Christendom,  and  the 
restoration  of  tlie  true  plan  of  salvation. 

This  was  not  because  he  delivered  a 
prepared  sermon,  for  he  did  not  do  so,  but 
by  giving  definite  shape  to  the  information 
that  was  in  him,  he  was  enabled  to  present 
a  clear  enunciation  of  his  views. 


114 


THE    PRECEPTOR. 


The  manner  of  seizing  upon  a  main 
point  and  properly  disposing  of  it,  is  in 
harmony  with  this  way  of  teaching  the 
principles  of  the  Gospel,  by  having  some- 
thing to  speak  to,  giving  order,  shape,  con- 
struction and  consequent  force  and  beauty 
to  the  discourse. 


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